Vajrakilaya: A Complete Guide with Experiential Instructions

by Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche, Ari Kiev (Translator)

Overview

A thorough guide to Vajrakīlaya, from a master of the Drigung Kagyu lineage.

In Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche’s first major collection of tantric teachings, he offers a complete manual for the visualization and supplication of the deity Vajrakīlaya. This ancient tantric practice centers on familiarizing oneself with the wrathful deity as a method for traversing the path to enlightenment. With clear instructions and insightful commentary, Garchen Rinpoche highlights the cultivation of bodhicitta at every stage of the path. This comprehensive guide to deity practice by one of the greatest living Tibetan meditation masters will support practitioners of all experiential levels in reuniting with their own awakened nature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611809053
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	02/08/2022
Pages:	504
Sales rank:	531,621
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

KYABJE GARCHEN RINPOCHE is a Buddhist teacher of the Drigung Kagyu lineage who came of age during the final years of Tibetan sovereignty. When his three-year retreat was close to completion, eminent invasion by the Communist Chinese disrupted his trainings, and he briefly transitioned from solitary retreat to a life as a guerrilla fighter defending his people. Eventually, he was captured and sent to a labor camp, where he was imprisoned for twenty years. During that time, he became a disciple of Kathok Khenpo Münsel Rinpoche and studied with other Vajrayāna masters who were also imprisoned there.

Finally, in 1980 Rinpoche was freed and able to return to the Nangchen area, where he rebuilt his monastery, offering vows at a time when many were afraid to spread Dharma teachings publicly. In 1993, he visited Nepal and India, which eventually led him to the United States, where he settled in 1999. Thereafter, he toured extensively, establishing Dharma centers throughout the world, while also building temples, housing for monks and nuns, schools, and medical facilities in Eastern Tibet. Rinpoche retired from touring in 2019 and currently resides in Chino Valley, Arizona.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Note to Practitioners xi

Translator's Introduction xiii

Text Conventions xix

Part 1 Spiritual and Historical Context

1 Approaching These Teachings 3

The Deity 3

The Guru 11

My Personal Connection with the Practice 15

The Vajrakila Lineage 17

The Vajrakila Texts 20

2 Teachings Common to All Mantric Paths 29

Purpose 29

Worldly and Spiritual Systems 30

The Three Successive Paths 31

Autonomy 32

Gradual and Sudden Types 35

Ripening Empowerment 37

The Secrecy of Secret Mantra 39

Earlier and Latter Mantric Systems 43

Deity Yoga 45

Benefits of Mantra Recitation 74

Part 2 Experiential Instructions on the Practice of Vajrakila

3 Lineage Supplication Instructions 87

Introduction 87

Lineage Masters 88

View, Meditation, and Conduct 88

Mandala Deities 102

The Four Kilas 103

The Four Maras 131

The Eight Qualities and Four Activities 140

4 Practice Manual Instructions 143

Refuge and Bodhicitta 143

Setting the Boundaries 157

The Disclosure 158

Consecrating the Offerings 161

Introduction to the Stages of Development 164

Visualizing the Immeasurable Palace 164

Visualizing the Deity 170

Invoking and Merging with the Wisdom Deities 205

Paying Homage 212

Making Offerings 213

Offering Praise 218

The Recitation of the Charm 219

Approach and Accomplishment 224

Offering the Charm 266

Subsequent Rites 268

Gathering In 271

Dedication 276

The Prayer of Auspiciousness 277

Summary of Deity Yoga 283

5 White Torma Offering Instructions 287

6 Kila Consecration Instructions 291

The Implement, the Material Kila 291

Aspects of the Implement According to the Tantras 295

Consecrating the Implement 296

Meaning of the Words of the Text 298

7 Bringing Down Blessings Instructions 309

The Material Mandala 310

Visualization and Meditation 312

8 Petition Instructions 319

9 Feast Offering, Restoration, and Repelling Instructions 323

Meaning and Purpose of the Ganacakra 323

Making Offerings 325

Ritual Practice of the Ganacakra 327

The Restoration 328

Drawing In 331

Liberation 332

Repelling 341

Ganacakra Offerings 342

The Ganacakra in Daily Activities 345

10 Taking Up Accomplishments Instructions 347

11 Practical Applications of the Instructions 355

Carrying Retreat Experience into Daily Life 355

Visualizing the Deity 358

Mantra Recitation 359

Antidoting Afflictions and Self-Grasping 362

The Guru 365

Maintaining the Samaya 366

Pure Perception 367

Benefiting Beings 369

Concluding Points 370

Dedication 372

Part 3 Liturgical Source Texts

12 Lineage Supplication 377

13 Practice Manual 381

14 White Torma Offering 393

15 Kila Consecration 395

16 Bringing Down Blessings 401

17 Petition 403

18 Feast Offering, Restoration, and Repelling 405

19 Taking Up Accomplishments 415

Notes 417

Quoted and Referenced Texts 427

Bibliography 429

Index 433

About the Author 479

Editorial Reviews

This is the first complete overview of the foundational view, practices, and liturgies associated with the Buddhist deity Vajrakīlaya. Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche, a highly realized Dharma teacher and guide to countless disciples throughout the world, has provided a supreme resource for guiding beings to enlightenment. I rejoice in this valuable contribution to the spreading of the Buddhadharma throughout the world, which will benefit many beings.”—His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche

From the Publisher