The 4 Spheres

[Dave The Seeker]

Could you all help me to understand what Mahayanas 4 Spheres are.
I haven't found anything to really explain this.
Thanks

Kindest wishes, Dave

[Jnana]

Could you all help me to understand what Mahayanas 4 Spheres are.
I haven't found anything to really explain this.

Can you expand a bit on what you're referring to, or provide a reference?

[Dave The Seeker]

I'm sorry that was a way too general question.
At the end of the Light Offering Prayer in the dedication, it says

By the force of this merit, in all my lives may I never be parted from Mahayana's four spheres, and may I reach the end of my journey along the paths of renunciation, bodhichitta, the pure view and the two stages

Thanks

Kindest wishes, Dave

[plwk]

I am guessing and thinking it's the Four Immeasurables connected with Bodhicitta?

[Jnana]

I'm sorry that was a way too general question.
At the end of the Light Offering Prayer in the dedication, it says

By the force of this merit, in all my lives may I never be parted from Mahayana's four spheres, and may I reach the end of my journey along the paths of renunciation, bodhichitta, the pure view and the two stages

Ah yes, often translated as the four "wheels" ('khor lo). They are (1) to live in a place where the necessities for practicing the Mahāyāna are easily found, (2) to rely on a holy being who practices and teaches the Mahāyāna, (3) to have great aspirations for the practice of the Mahāyāna, and (4) to have produced great merit in the past.

[LastLegend]

The 4 spheres if I understand you correctly are your parents, Buddhas and Bodhisatvas, all sentient beings, and your nation. When you are offering prayers, you are offering to those. In a way to say you are honoring and thankful to your parents, to Buddhas and Bodhisatvas, all sentient beings, and your nation. Parents have brought you here, Buddhas and Boddhisatvas are your teachers and guidances, you are related to all sentient being through a special relationship such as the clothes you wear were made in China by the Chinese for example or the food that you eat brought to you by the farmers, and lastly your nation or country support you in many ways.

[Dave The Seeker]

Thank you for the replies.

I believe I understand this a bit better now.
Another question would be about the two stages as mentioned in the very end of the quote.


Kindest wishes, Dave

[Jnana]

Another question would be about the two stages as mentioned in the very end of the quote.

That would be the creation stage (bskyed rim) and the completion stage (rdzogs rim) of vajrayāna practice.