Vajra and Bell

by Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu

by a Vajra Master

Empowerment Using the Bell and Vajra 

Recommend reading: A Complete and Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma by Sheng-yen Lu, page 156.

Note: For a proper example of employing the bell and vajra for the four yogic intents, one should seek instruction from a Master or watch a video of Grand Master’s instruction on it, available in most True Buddha School temples.

Here is a brief outline on using the vajra and bell to set a sacred boundary and for the four yogic intents. Please note that one must view a tape of Grand Master’s demonstration or seek instruction from a Master before attempting to do this. The steps cannot be described in full accuracy with words alone.

1. First, one holds the vajra vertically and taps the bottom of the bell with the vajra in four sections to represent the four directions. For each tapping, visualize a beam of white light extend into the space before one. Visualize each beam of light travel as far as the sound [of tapping the vajra on the bell] does.

2. Next, one holds the vajra horizontally and taps the bell on the bottom, on the upper section of the bell just below the handle, and at the top of the handle. Visualize a great white parasol emerging and covering the space above one. With more practice, one may cover one’s entire house, etc. with the parasol.

3. For purification, one moves the vajra and bell up and down while visualizing white light.

4. For enrichment, one moves the vajra and bell sideways in circular motions while visualizing yellow light.

5. For magnetization, one inserts the vajra into the bottom of the bell and moves the vajra around the inside edge of the bell while visualizing red light.

6. For subjugation, one holds the vajra and bell with a specific mudra in each hand while bringing them to touch above one’s head.

The first two steps are part of setting a sacred boundary and the rest are for the four yogic intents. Each of the steps are done together, usually once or three times at the start of practice.

Source: http://www.padmakumara.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1658& 

Concluding Practice

The vajra bell and scepter ritual to conclude every practice has a special visualization taught by Grandmaster Lu, following the "Wun!"

CIRCLE OF COMPLETION

I have taught before that, after the dedication, one also chants the following paragraph which states the intent of this particular practice.

"I, xxx, as a True Buddha practitioner, dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free of obstcles, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious."

One next draws a blazing circle (to signify completion) of fire and chants, "May all supplications be completely fulfilled. May all hindrances be removed."

While all hindrances are being removed, one raises the scepter, points it at the space above, and rings the bell while intoning - "Wun!"

Immediately, in the space above, two scepters in the form of a cross appear above a lotus and they are all surrounded by a blazing ight. The cross of double scepters represents strength while the lotus itself represents wisdom. A cross of double scepters above a ltus represents protection and defeat of then negative forces. The blazing light signifies totality and completion. With this visualization fo the cross of double scepters, lotus and circle of blazing light, all negative forces will retreat.

Previously, in my writings, I have described this visualization. One may visualize a patch of darkness, a symbol for negative forces, in the space before one. When one raises the scepter to intone "Wun" and ring the bell, the darkness retreats and in its place a lotus and cross of double scepters manifest themselves. These are surrounded by a great blazing circle. This step signifies that one's practice is completed. Everything one has supplicated will be perfectly fulfilled and all disasters will retreat with the intonation of "Wun!" The scepter and bell are employed in this step.

This article excerpted from "A Complete and Detailed Exposition on the Basic True Buddha Tantric Dharma (V) by Grandmaster Lu at Rainbow Villa, Nov.24-30, 1992 (Translated by Janny Chow. Footnotes by Kevin Henderson)

Source: http://www.padmakumara.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5052 

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