Avalokiteshvara (Avalokita, Tibetan: Chenrezik, Chinese: Guanyin) is the embodiment of great compassion of all buddhas past, present and future. A great bodhisattva from the mahayana perspective, Avalokiteshvara is viewed as a perfect buddha in the vajrayana teachings. His “wish-fulfilling” (Mani-mantra) is constantly in the hearts, minds, and lips of countless Buddhists—from the greatest masters to the most common folk. This four-armed form of Avalokiteshvara is particularly connected with this Mani-mantra. This concise sadhana was composed by Lho Nuden Dorje, an important 19th century Drikung Kagyu teacher active in eastern Tibet..

Padmasambhava is credited with the successful and firm establishment of the Buddha’s teachings in the 8th century in Tibet, Bhutan and throughout the Himalayan region. He is a nirmanakaya of the Lotus Family, and as the “Precious Guide” (Guru Rinpoche) he is the embodiment of buddhas of past, present and future. The auspicious interdependence at the heart of his success in establishing the Buddha’s teachings in Tibet can support those of us who are new to vajrayana practice, removing obstacles that arise from deep levels of resistance within our own confused state. This concise sadhana was composed by Lho Nuden Dorje, an important 19th century Drikung Kagyu teacher active in eastern Tibet.

Parnashavari (Tibetan: Logyonma) is a form of Tara whose special quality is the pacification of infectious diseases and epidemics. Her name shows that she originated among the Shavara tribe of ancient India, a folk-goddess associated with medicinal plants and deep forests. While on the outer level she is a goddess capable of controlling diseases, on the inner level she frees from the fevers of the afflictive-emotions. The verses of praise shared here are extracted from the collected-works of Kyobpa Jikten Sumgon by HH Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche who encouraged everyone to offer this praise and the mantra associated.

This supplication which invokes the magnetizing-activities (Tibetan: wang) of the buddhas was composed by Ju Mipham, a learned and great Nyingma master of the 19th century is most recently popularized by Khenchen Jikme Puntsok Rinpoche of the Larung Serta community in eastern Tibet. Nine deities who embody the magnetizing-activities are invoked here: Amitabha, Vajradharma, Avalokiteshvara, Padmaraja (a form of Guru Rinpoche), Hayagriva, Guhyajnana, Vajravarahi, Kamaraja, and Kurukulle. Dr. Lye has often encouraged the offering of this supplication as a means to free oneself from entanglements and attract conditions for the flourish of Dharma both in one’s life and one’s surroundings.