Question asked by Parth2
Greetings rinpoche, greetings pastors, hello all. In circumambulation, we generally go around an actual representation of the Buddha ( body , speach or mind) but if we do not have any of these outside where we can do the circumambulations, can we visualise as if there is a statue or a stupa and do the circumambulations in that way. Thanks a lot.
Dear Parth2,
To answer your question, of course we can visualize a statue or a stupa and do the circumambulation and still get the blessings. However by doing this without the actual representation of the Buddha, the blessings can only come from the power of the subject which is our meditation and visualization. Hence it’s very much depends how strong our visualization and meditation is. However, if there’s an actual representation of a Buddha, the blessings can come from both the power of the object and also the subject, it means even someone with no idea of a Buddha or not believing in the Buddha can still get the benefits just by the action of the circumambulation alone. Therefore, even if you don’t have a stupa at your area, if you plan to do a circumambulation, it would be good if you can circumambulate a statue or any holy representation of a Buddha.
Thank you.
Recommended reading (about the power of the object): https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/bigger-and-more-buddha-statues-makes-a-difference.html