padma norbu wrote:I've come to expect snags in the webcasts, so it didn't surprise me at all when Song of The Vajra turned into the same song that was playing on a loop prior to the webcast. However, I don't understand why the actual practice doesn't match the practice text for the transmission. I assume refuge is done silently but printed so you get the idea. However the last line of each Garab Dorge verse was repeated 3x rather than 2x as it's printed. Okay, no big deal, either. But, then, there were 7 As rather than 6. 6 is what's printed and what is explained in the explanation of the booklet. So, when A #7 comes around, I am wondering if I counted wrong and quickly realizing I didn't and then wondering what I'm supposed to be doing on this 7th one. Throws me in a nice state of confusion rather than calm prior to the transmission. Pretty sure this always is how he does it because I can recall being confused every time pretty much about what the order is. However this time, in the comfort of my own home, I prepared well in advance and knew what I was doing on each step. So, why? What is with the 7 As instead of 6 and what am I supposed to be doing on A #7?
Next time try not to count.
In the years that I have been doing this with many different sanghas I can count on one hand the number of times I have seem translations or texts of practices that are perfect. It's challenging, especially when it is done quickly and for free.
I understand wanting to get everything right, but, the important thing is to share in the experience with the teacher, not the text.
On another note:
Does anyone know if the Invocation of Garab Dorje is written by Rinpoche?
It's an absolutely amazing and profound invocation in my opinion.
"All phenomena of samsara depend on the mind, so when the essence of mind is purified, samsara is purified. Since the phenomena of nirvana depend on the pristine consciousness of vidyā, because one remains in the immediacy of vidyā, buddhahood arises on its own. All critical points are summarized with those two." - Longchenpa