Question asked by Theresa
Hello to all Team Tsem Rinponche,
I would like ask, step by step for purification. I am catholic by birth but I do believe in budhesim. I read some on the website and watched some of Rinponche’s video on youtube. My concern is when reciting the mantra do I need a mala or I can set and recite like a prayer but bit louder? Is it ok to do a mantra while walking or doing something as long as you are alone? Thank you
Dear Theresa,
Thank you for your questions. Tsem Rinpoche has provided many articles here about purification which you will find has all the information you are looking for:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/prayers-and-sadhanas/an-important-purification-practice.html
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/vajrasattva-and-prostrations-transcript.html
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/how-to-purify-your-karma-in-kechara-forest-retreat.html
In regards to reciting mantras, it is recommended to get a mala to help you count. If this is not feasible due to various circumstances, you can use an electronic counter.
For reciting mantras during personal practice, these are not recited too loud. In fact, they are recited softly. If a person was nearby they would not actually be able to hear what you are reciting. There are different ways to chant mantras according to different religious paths. In Tibetan Buddhism, they are not chanted loudly during personal practice. They are recited just loud enough for you to hear the mantra, but if someone was next to you, they would not be able to hear what you are citing.
In Buddhism, we have daily practices. When doing these it is proper to do the practices sitting down, fully focused on the practice and not engaged in other activities. When not engaged in daily practice, you can of course recite mantras while doing normal daily activities such as walking, working etc. As long as it does not disturb anyone else.
I hope this message helps. Thank you.