Praises: Appendices

Praises: Introduction
First Session: Thursday, May 26, 2005
Second Session: Sunday, May 29, 2005 (morning)
Third Session: Sunday, May 29, 2005 (afternoon)
Praises: Appendices

Appendix A: Outline of the Commentary on Praises to the Twenty-one Taras

1. The brief exposition of these praises

2. An extensive explanation of these praises

A. Praising Tara with reference to her legend

B. Praising Tara with reference to her aspects

1) Praising Tara with reference to her sambhogakaya aspect (complete enjoyment body)

a. Praising Tara with reference to her peaceful aspect

i. Praising Tara with reference to the brilliance of her holy face and the mass of light blazing from her holy body
ii. Praising Tara with reference to the colour of her holy body, the implements she is holding and the causes that bring about the attainment of the state of Tara
iii. Praising Tara with reference to the respect that is shown to her by all the buddhas and bodhisattvas
iv. Praising Tara with reference to how she overcomes all opposing factors
v. Praising Tara with reference to how even the great worldly gods worship her
vi. Praising Tara with reference to how she destroys all opponents

b. Praising Tara with reference to her wrathful aspect

i. Praising Tara with reference to how she purifies all the maras and the two obstructions
ii. Praising Tara with reference to the implements she holds in her two hands
iii. Praising Tara through her crown ornament and the sound of her laughter
iv. Praising Tara with reference to how she accomplishes different activities by employing the ten directional protectors
v. Praising Tara with reference to her crown ornament
vi. Praising Tara with reference to her wrathful posture of abiding
vii. Praising Tara with reference to how light radiates from the syllable Hum at her heart

2) Praising Tara with reference to her dharmakaya aspect (truth body)

C. Praising Tara with reference to her enlightened activities

1) Praising Tara through the enlightened actions of both her peaceful and wrathful mantras
2) Praising Tara with reference to how she shakes the three realms
3) Praising Tara with reference to how she eliminates poisons
4) Praising Tara with reference to how she dispels quarrels and bad dreams
5) Praising Tara with reference to how she eliminates different epidemic diseases
6) Praising Tara with reference to how she destroys spirits and zombies

3. Showing the benefits of this practice

A. Correct mental attitude

B. Timing

C. Actual benefits

1) Benefits one receives for oneself

a. The benefit of turning away the different faults
b. The benefit of turning away the causes of suffering
c. The benefit of turning away the results that are suffering

2) Benefits that are related to others

In Remembrance Of Khensur Rinpoche

To hasten the quick return of the unmistaken reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has advised on the building of two stupas. One stupa has been suggested for Kopan Monastery itself in remembrance of Khensur Rinpoche’s long and devoted service, and the other, a larger three-storey high stupa at Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery based on the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya, India (the place of the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha).

Rinpoche had this to say regarding the benefit of building stupas:

"I see the creation of stupas as being of incalculable benefit for countless sentient beings, especially for their mind streams. If one transforms or develops the mind, then all problems and suffering are transformed or ceased, because the mind is the creator of all one’s happiness and suffering.
Wherever a stupa is built will become a powerful place for healing and a cause for success for whatever visitors to that place are seeking. Each person can transform their mind by coming and seeing such holy objects. In short, spending time at a stupa can become the psychology to bring peace of mind and a good heart to all beings, both young and old.
To support and contribute to creating and building stupas and other holy objects is therefore of immense benefit, not only to others but also to yourself in helping to make your life more meaningful.”

-Extracts from Benefits and Practices related to Statues and Stupas

If you would like to find out more about this project and contribute to it in some way, please visit: www.kopanmonastery.com.

Final Dedication

“Like the great holy beings of the past, Khensur Rinpoche had great faith in and devotion towards Mother Tara. Therefore, this commentary on the Praises to the Twenty-one Taras bears the special blessing of his personal experience with the power and effectiveness of the practice of Tara.”
- Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi

This precious commentary by Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel on the Praises to the Twenty-one Taras, published for the first time, offers us a deeper understanding of the inconceivable qualities of Tara’s holy body, speech and mind and how her different aspects can help us overcome difficulties in our daily lives and Dharma practice.

Born in Tibet in 1941, Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel joined Sera Monastery while still a boy. He left for India in 1959 where he met Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In 1972, Lama Yeshe requested him to look after the young monks in Kopan Monastery, Nepal. Thus began Khensur Rinpoche’s 40 years of service at Kopan. He was officially bestowed the title of Khen Rinpoche (abbot) by the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001. He remained in this position until July 2011. Khensur Rinpoche passed away on 7th September 2011.