Symbolism of the charnel grounds

Question 1

Corpses

Answer 1

symbolize impermanence and the faults of samsara, particularly sickness, ageing and death

Question 2

Lake

Answer 2

symbolizes conventional bodhichitta

Question 3

Naga

Answer 3

symbolizes the six perfections and the ten perfections

Question 4

Jewel held by naga

Answer 4

symbolizes the four ways of gathering disciples

Question 5

Wild animals

Answer 5

> symbolize generation stage realizations, and

> their eating corpses teaches us to destroy our ordinary appearances and ordinary conceptions through the power of our generation stage practice.

Question 6

Tree

Answer 6

symbolizes the central channel

Question 7

Directional guardian

Answer 7

symbolizes the downward-voiding wind just below the navel

Question 8

Regional guardian at the top of the tree

Answer 8

symbolizes the life-supporting wind at the heart

Question 9

Fire at the base of the tree

Answer 9

symbolizes the inner fire of tummo at the navel

Question 10

Cloud

Answer 10

symbolizes the white bodhichitta in the crown chakra

Question 11

The eight charnel grounds themselves, four in the cardinal directions and four in the intermediate directions

Answer 11

symbolize the four joys of serial and reverse order

Question 12

Mountain

Answer 12

symbolizes immovable equipoise of spontaneous great bliss mixed with emptiness

Question 13

Stupa at the top of the mountain

Answer 13

symbolizes the three bodies of a Buddha.