Question asked by Jake
Dear pastors,
My daily practice is the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa. I often do a short sadhana of Dorje Shugden after the main practice as well. I was wondering if there is any way to incorporate the use of the Bell and Vajra in this practice? I would like to become familiar with their use so that using them seems more natural when I progress to more advanced Tantric practices. I have not yet recieved Je Tsongphapa's empowerment.
Also, what would the difference be between using five pronged implements and nine pronged implements? Do the bell and vajra used have to match perfectly or is it enough that they share the same number of prongs?
I was also wondering if there is any way to send Rinpoche a gift. I am a college student in the United States and I have very little money to donate to Kechara. I am an art student so I thought that perhaps I could show my gratitude to Rinpoche in that way.
Thank you for your wise response!
With love, Jake
Dear Jake,
Traditionally the use of Vajra and Bell is only allowed after receiving empowerment, however Tsem Rinpoche has said that one can use them to create the causes for receiving the higher teachings in the future.
When you engage in the Guru Yoga of Lama Tsongkhapa, the vajra and bell are used during the Invocation (1st Verse) and the Offering (4th Verse). You can do the same in your practice.
There is a difference in meaning and use of five pronged and nine pronged implements. The five pronged implements represent the Five Dhyani Buddhas and their consorts, and through association also the Five Aggregates or Form, Feeling, Discrimination, Karmic Formation and Consciousness. The nine pronged implements have a multitude of meanings. In Kechara we use the five pronged implements.
If you have a Vajra and Bell they should definitely have the same number of prongs. It would be good if they would match in other regards. You should try and get a hold of ones that come in pairs, but of course there is nothing wrong if they do not match.
If you would like to send Rinpoche a gift, you can mail it to the address below:
Kechara House
No. 7, Jalan PJU 1/3G,
Sunwaymas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, MALAYSIA.
Please add a note that it is a gift for Rinpoche. I suggest you mail it using registered post or courier. You can drop us an email at care@kechara.com once posted so we know to expect it.
Good Luck with you practice!