We are frequently asked questions about Tibetan Buddhist practice and etiquette. In order to provide a library of helpful information, we are compiling this list of frequently asked questions and answers.
How do I Start a Meditation Practice?Correct meditation practice is done under the guidance of a lama. This is because our needs and personal styles are so varied. Although there are many books on meditation, we need the personal supervision of a qualified teacher to have the best results. Learning to meditate is like learning a musical instrument, driving a car or running a marathon. To save ourselves time, avoid injuries and have a positive result, we need personal instruction. Feel free to contact Lama Jinpa at jinpa@middlewayhealth.com.
We teach Calm Abiding and Special Insight meditation. Loving kindness and Mindfulness form the core of these practices.
We also lead pujas and teach meditation using visualizations and mantras.
A mantra is a short prayer in Sanskrit that generally recites the names of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas it is dedicated to.
OM TA RE TU TA RE TU RE SO HA
It is called the ten syllable mantra.
OM MANI PE’MAY HUNG
It is called the six syllable mantra.
What is a puja?Puja (literally an offering) is a Meditation Ritual on one of the Bodhisattvas or Buddhas. It is a ceremony in which prayers are offered to the Buddhas to request their blessings or invoke their help.
There are different pujas for different purposes in our lives. There are pujas for meditation practice, purification, removing obstacles, long life, death, illness, business, and so on. Pujas are performed to avert and clear the three types of obstacles, conditions which prevent us from achieving our worldly and spiritual goals.
The three types of obstacles:
By doing meditation, prayers and offerings with sincere motivation, unfavorable circumstances that bring problems may be changed. It is said that prayers performed by ordained ones are especially powerful and effective as they are done on the base of pure morality.
Take a Khata or a white scarf with you to meet a lama or Geshe, then say TASHI DELEY. This means Auspicious and Good Health. Whenever you see a Lama or Geshe, you humbly bow down your head and place both hands together as a prostration gesture. Most of the Tibetan Lamas don’t shake hands, but rather they raise their right hand as a half prostration when they greet you.
Say TASHI DELEY and place hands together at the heart.
What does Ven. Mean?
Ven. is shorthand for Venerable monk or nun.
Geshe literally means “spiritual friend”. It is the highest teaching degree in Tibetan Buddhism.
Gen means: master, teacher or senior. It is a term of respect for a monk or a nun.
What is a Khata?A Khata is a ceremonial silk scarf offered to Lamas. (We have them for sale at Lion's Roar Dharma Center for a small donation.) It should be white and long. White represents purity and it is long to represent long life. Some can be yellow to represent gold or something precious.
You can use a Khata anytime, anywhere with anyone as a greeting. It is particularly used on special occasions whether spiritual or business.
How do I use a mala?A mala is a string of prayer beads. Some have 108 and some 111 beads. You use a mala to count the recitation of mantras or the names of the Buddhas.
What offerings should I bring?
When you visit a temple, you should bring fresh flowers, fruit or candles for offerings to the Buddhas.
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Pujas can be performed for various purposes:
For the dying ~ to help pacify their mind and decrease fear during the time of death.
For the deceased ~ to bless and guide their mind to a higher state of rebirth and liberation.
For sickness ~ to remove obstacles to mental and physical health.
For success in one’s activities ~ for removing obstacles to success in one’s activities, be they worldly or dharma.
The puja performed depends on the type of problem and the individual’s karma. Buddha taught us pujas for everything that we need in this life and also future lives. Buddha himself experienced and practiced many different rituals or pujas in his life.
How much does it cost to have a puja performed?
There is no limit to the amount of a donation that can be made. It depends on one’s financial ability and how much you want to make as an offering toward the pujas. Some pujas are complicated and require a lot of materials and a great deal of time to perform.
How do I know which puja I need to do for myself and my family?
Yes, this can be done in person or by e-mail at jinpa@middlewayhealth.com.
Yes. All publicized events are open to the public. Beginners are welcome.
Teacher and the Teachings (Dharma) are priceless. They are supported by offerings (called Dana). It is expected that a dana offering be generally $20 and above for a teaching or ceremony and $60 and above for a private interview.
