Ārya-mañjuśrī-nāma-saṅgīti
Today, as we celebrate Lhabab Duchen with joy and love, I am sending you a Dharma gift built with painstaking care, devotion, and wonderful, wonderful talent (and the most beautiful voice in the world) by Venerable Tenzin Gendun (our dear friend, FPMT Master and Teacher, and protector of our Romanian community) – and with a very small, humble contribution from Veroníca Anghelescu Drölma and the Garden of Maitreya Bucharest Study Group.
Traditionally, it is said that any act of positive or negative karma performed on this day is multiplied “ten million times.” For this reason, it is considered especially auspicious to engage in virtuous deeds, to give generously, attend pujas, and perform sadhanas. Even a simple symbolic act, such as offering the light of a candle or butter lamp, carries great merit. For specific practices recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, such as the recitation of the Heart Sutra, you can refer to the embedded videos in this feature, beginning with the supreme Muni Mantra.
Practices Recommended by Lama Zopa
Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised eight main practices for this day:
- Recitation of Sutras. Certain sutras are said to be especially powerful on this occasion, such as the Three Jewels Sutra, The Sutra of Golden Light, The Heart Sutra and Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
- Making Offerings. Offerings to the Sangha and to Dharma causes, such as supporting the publication of sutras, holy texts, and teachings, are highly meritorious.
- Cultivating Bodhicitta. Throughout the day, strive to remain mindful of the cause of Awakening, aspiring to benefit all sentient beings. The King of Prayers, linked via the information icon above, beautifully expresses this intention.
- Practicing Generosity. Give to those in need. Remember that generosity is not limited to material gifts, it can also mean offering kind words, compassion, or practical help.
- Taking the Precepts. Either reaffirm the five lay precepts normally followed by lay Buddhists, or, for the day, observe the full eight precepts practiced by ordained monks and nuns. The lay precepts are: to abstain from taking life, from taking what is not given, from harmful or false speech, from intoxicants that cloud the mind, and from misuse of the senses.
- Making Offerings to the Buddha. Offer water bowls, tormas, or other sensory offerings to the Buddha to purify negative karma and accumulate merit.
- Practicing the Paramita of Wisdom. This includes reading Dharma texts, watching teachings, or writing and copying sutras, all of which deepen understanding and insight.
- Prostrations and Refuge. Perform prostrations to the Buddha and repeatedly take Refuge in the Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, throughout the day.
These eight wholesome activities honor the Three Jewels and create “merit multiplied by one hundred million,” as explained by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Always dedicate the merit of your actions, especially on Dharma days, to the Cause of Awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings.
The Three Jewels Sutra
https://www.lotsawahouse.org/words-of-the-buddha/sutra-recalling-three-jewels
The Sūtra of the Sublime Golden Light
https://fpmt.org/education/prayers-and-practice-materials/sutras/golden-light-sutra/download/
Heart Sutra
https://www.lotsawahouse.org/words-of-the-buddha/heart-sutra
With gratitude,
Veronica Anghelescu Drölma
The Garden of Maitreya 