Question asked by Luna
Hello Pastor(s) I've seen videos on how to bless/consecrate statues but I've never seen one about printed images. You see, I have a printed image of Dorje Shugden and I just dont know what to do with it.
Lasty is that is it okay I can only use 1 bowl for water offerings due to our situation. If so is it okay to use sink water?
Dear Luna,
Thank you for your question. We actually have an article that has a thorough explanation of the blessing/consecration of images here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/how-to-bless-buddha-images-yourself.html
Yes, you can bless any image of the enlightened beings in this manner, not just statues but even paintings or printed images.
When you do the blessing, you can do the condensed version (its in the article). If you can have only 1 bowl of water for offerings, then that’s okay, but you can lay out other offerings to the best of your situation, such as packaged foods, soft drinks, etc. Any offering that we make from our heart will be accepted by the Buddhas. Using water from the sink tap is okay, as long as it is clean. If you can drink the water that comes from your sink tap, then it’s fine to use it. If you cannot drink the water from the tap, please use any water that you would use for drinking. That would be best.
The blessing text includes use of ritual instruments (vajra and bell). If you don’t have these, it’s fine, not to worry. But do have some rice, which you can throw during the consecration. If you would like to do the medium or extensive blessings, then it is best to follow the altar set up as closely as possible.
The article explains everything, but if you have any questions, you are more than welcome to ask here. Wishing you well. Your image of Dorje Shugden will be very blessed!