CHAPTER FIVE

Of the Heart Treasury of Heavenly Dharma, Among the Oceanlike Teachings in the Whisper Succession, This is

THE INITIATION RITUAL OF THE RED GSHIN-RJE[r_5:1]

Namo Guru Diwa Dargini Shidi Hum! [Note Tibetan transliterations of Sanskrit words like Deva and Dakini. Ed.]

If one wants to practice the Three Pillars[r_5:2] Red Gshin-rje, he should arrange the Mandala as in that of the foregoing rituals. He should prepare a hill-shaped Gtor-ma. At the back of the Gtor-ma, a vase with red decorations on its brim should be placed.

Both the preparation for the initiation by the Guru and the actual initiation ritual (by the deity) require only the general Gtor-ma and offerings. Before the initiation ceremony takes place, the teacher should perform and meditate at least once on the following prayers, which include the Self-Front-Arising Yoga, confession, and other prayers. If one wants to perform a very comprehensive ritual, he may elaborate by reciting the prayers of the Three Pillars as well as the Bodhisattva's Vow and the like. After these practices the Guru should follow the instructions given below:

I, myself, become the Red Gshin-rje;

Three faces, six arms, and four legs, stretched apart.

The right face is blue; the left, black; and the center, red.

The three arms on the right side hold the club, Vajra, and knife.

The three arms on the left side hold the bloodskull, bell, and stick.

Also adorning him are the complete ornaments of a Fierce Buddha.

He (I) sits on the cushion of the Sun-Moon-Lotus Wheel.

Absorbing himself in this meditation, the teacher should recite the following incantation:

Ah S'ri Hum S'ri Hum Soha!

(By reciting this incantation the Red Gshin-rje is consolidated).

Sa Ma Yu Chia Chia Chia!

"Sa Ma Yu Chia Chia Chia!"

The Guru recites and meditates:

In front of me is the Buddha of the Vase,

In the center of his heart there is a Sun Disc,

Upon which stands a red Hum letter.

Around this Hum circle the words of this incantation in a clock-wise order.

From his body shine forth splendid rays of light.

The Buddhas, Bodhisattavas, Three Pillars, and all deities in the ten directions and three times, all become the red Gshin-rje.

Like rain falling, they descend here and are absorbed into the Buddha of the Front Vase.

From the body of the Vase Buddha incessantly flows out the Water of Heaven.

Thus should one meditate, also reciting the incantation as much as he can. Then the disciples should gather near the Mandala and offer flowers and food. If conditions permit, it is desirable to conduct a complete performance, including the preparation ritual with offerings, confessions, consecration, and exorcising.

The Guru then addresses the disciples: