Protection chords

[Dharmaswede]

I am looking for information on protection chords; how they work, significance of different colors, different types of chords, exceptions to wearing them etc.

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Jens

[Aemilius]

I am looking for information on protection chords; how they work, significance of different colors, different types of chords, exceptions to wearing them etc.

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Jens

I don't know the answer to your question, but it brings to mind something that is beside the matter, so if you don't mind: I saw in the 1980's a film of european missionaries in Africa, there the africans were wearing exactly similar red protection cords that you get in tibetan tantric initiations. The converted africans had to burn these protection cords in an open fire, they seemed slightly uncertain and maybe even afraid, when they ran quickly to the fire, took away their red cords and threw them into the fire.
There is an article by David Templeman, where he describes the late indian tantric buddhism, at around 1500's, he says the indian tantric Buddhaguptanath went to San Lorenzo in Madagaskar, where he met local tantric monks and he heard the complete explanations to Hevajra tantra there !!!
Please enjoy the article of David Templeman at http://www.ordinarymind.net/may2003/feature2_03.htm

[Luke]

Hi Jens,

I believe you meant "cords" (pieces of string) and not "chords" (several musical notes played at the same time: A minor, G major 7, etc.). Sorry, I couldn't restrain myself.

I'll tell you what little my sangha members have told me about these strings.

I've never been told that the colors have any particular significance. I have received some red ones, some orange ones, and some multicolored ones and I regard them all as being the same.

I've also been told that one should wear them for at least three days after receiving them (except when bathing or doing something which could get them wet) in order receive their full blessings.

I've also been told that you should not get them wet. I would also assume that you should not put them on the floor because that is usually a disrespectful thing to do with most Dharma objects.

The members of my sangha either wear these strings around their necks or around their wrists. I prefer to wear mine around my neck.

I believe that these strings symbolize some kind of karmic connection with the lama who gave them to you. I suppose they might give you some protection, but I've never heard my sangha members talk about this.

As I type this, I'm wearing my favorite one. It's my favorite because I received it from a great lama whom I felt a strong connection with. But the empowerments and teachings I've received are always more important to me than any physical object.

I'm sure there is more to it than this, but this is all I know.

[Josef]

Here is an excerpt from Lama Wangdu's book that has some info on protection cords.

http://www.lamawangdu.org/bookinfo.htm

[Luke]

That's interesting how one student in that article comments about sleeping better while wearing the cord. I haven't noticed that I sleep better while wearing my cord, but I do have a positive feeling of it being sort of like my "Buddhist teddy bear" when I sleep.

I once also read an article about how someone could recite the Refuge Vow before going to sleep and then sleep contently under the protection of the Three Jewels.

[Josef]

That's interesting how one student in that article comments about sleeping better while wearing the cord. I haven't noticed that I sleep better while wearing my cord, but I do have a positive feeling of it being sort of like my "Buddhist teddy bear" when I sleep.

I once also read an article about how someone could recite the Refuge Vow before going to sleep and then sleep contently under the protection of the Three Jewels.

It is interesting and could also just be a psychological phenomena, either way if it benefits then it is good.
I have a couple of cords that I received from my root lama that I wear all of the time and one that is attached to an amulet that was made in his monastery.
For me they are a constant source of comfort and connection to my lama who is thousands of miles away.

[Dharmaswede]

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts, info, and experiences on this topic. I very much appreciate it!

Best Regards,

Jens

[clinton]

Funny, I came here looking for answers about Protection cords and now I'm answering.
At the conclusion of a meditation retreat recently we were all given protection cords by Jack Kornfield. He said that traditionally these red silk threads are from the same material as the Dali Lama's robe.
We then stood in a circle and tied them on each other.But first we tied 3 knots in our own cords, each knot was a different protection and I have forgotten what they were., which is why I have been looking online. We then turned to the person next to us and tied them onto their wrist or around their neck, as they desired.
There was no mention of not getting them wet or how long to wear them. The retreat ended over a month ago and I'm wearing mine now.

[ngodrup]

Frankly, this Kornfield story sounds new-agey.

The two cents I have to add are not about the generic chords
that are handed out at wangs, receiving refuge, etc. What I have
experience with are called dakini knots and scorpion knots and these
cords are made within the context of a specific deity yoga. The scorpion
for example is a ponya -- messenger-- of Dorje Drollo and protects one
from certain "anti-buddhist" classes of demons.

[Malcolm]

I am looking for information on protection chords; how they work, significance of different colors, different types of chords, exceptions to wearing them etc.

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Jens

Protection cords are for non-practitioners and animals. Practitioners have no need to wear them.

N

[Blue Garuda]

I do recall a specific function of a cord as 'protection' prior to a specific Highest Yoga Tantra Initiation.

Once the transmission was competed it could be taken off, left to drop off etc. as the practitioner was then able to conduct any relevant protective practices for themselves. I sometimes see people with loads of them around their necks and wonder if a little inappropriate pride or vanity is being displayed.

Gelugpas seem to share a view that the cords are useful for 'protection' and 'blessing' but I don't think we should assume that the protection has any more inherent existence than any other phenomenon. Ultimately, the mind's protection comes from practices, as Namdrol has written.

Berzin has this to say:

If people have faith and confidence that something will protect them, then their own confidence can protect them. It may not protect them from an atom bomb, but it could protect them in events where they would not have confidence to deal with a situation in a beneficial way.

If a blessed cord or image were put around the neck of a pig, I do not know if it would protect it from being slaughtered. However, if a person has the potential that will allow for this blessing to work, then it works. Both factors are needed. It is like two pieces of a puzzle fitting together.

http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/ar ... hitta.html

[Malcolm]

I do recall a specific function of a cord as 'protection' prior to a specific Highest Yoga Tantra Initiation.

That is different, that functions to protect one's bodhicitta element and is only necessary during the empowerment.

N

[Blue Garuda]

I do recall a specific function of a cord as 'protection' prior to a specific Highest Yoga Tantra Initiation.

That is different, that functions to protect one's bodhicitta element and is only necessary during the empowerment.

N

Yes, if I recall it was to be worn the night before the empowerment and then discarded afterwards. I seem to remember that it was to be worn until a person left the place where the empowerment took place.

I know some people are still wearing theirs, years after the event; a sentimental reminder of the event, or the Guru, maybe; hopefully not a badge of an assumed attainment or status.

[Silent Bob]

Protection cords are a cute fashion accessory. Like knowing the secret Masonic hand signals, they're a good way to spot Buddhists of the opposite sex in a bar or other social setting.
My understanding, in Trungpa Rinpoche's words, is that "the blessing doesn't last very long".

Chris

[MrDistracted]

.....they're a good way to spot Buddhists of the opposite sex in a bar or other social setting.

We're an androgynous bunch....

[Blue Garuda]

.....they're a good way to spot Buddhists of the opposite sex in a bar or other social setting.

We're an androgynous bunch....

Yes, but they obviously lack the true and awesome power and cachet of the red Kabbalah cords, and wouldn't you rather end up with a Kabbalist? They wear theirs on the left wrist apparently, but the location is no indicator of sexual prefrences:

http://www.squidoo.com/kabbalah-bracelet-leather

I feel there is a market for my new Red Garuda Cords: snakeskin - magnetic, chi infused, ion balancing and fertility-enhancing.

[MrDistracted]

I'm ashamed to say that I always assumed that making sure I had protection meant something else at social events.

[Blue Garuda]

I'm ashamed to say that I always assumed that making sure I had protection meant something else at social events.

Not if you tie it round your wrist! LOL

[MrDistracted]

There's definitely a joke I could come back with there. But this will get out of hand. And the thread will be further derailed and I'll get banned.

[Caz]

I am looking for information on protection chords; how they work, significance of different colors, different types of chords, exceptions to wearing them etc.

Thank you!

Best Regards,

Jens

Protection cords are for non-practitioners and animals. Practitioners have no need to wear them.

N

True Namdrol. Everyone should know the Benefits of the Refuge vows with regards to spirits and harm from humans and non humans I much rather have faith in the benefits of Refuge then a peice of string.