The preliminary practices > Going for refuge and generating bodhichitta

Question 1

How should our shrine look?

Answer 1

Statue or picture of BS, JT, He, our RG and DS

We set our three tormas. The shapes of the tormas symbolize the development of spiritual realizations.

The central torma is for principal Deities, Heruka Father and Mother and the four Yoginis (‘the Deities of the great bliss wheel’)

The torma to its left is for the supramundane retinues of Heruka.

The torma to its right is for the mundane retinues of Heruka.

Three rows of offerings:
- First row, nearest the shrine is for the supramundane in-front-generated Deities (start from LH side of shrine, our right).
- Second row is for the mundane Dakas and Dakinis (start from LH side of shrine, our right).
Third row - for the self-generated Deities, starts from the RH side of the shrine, our left.

Question 2

Going for refuge and generating bodhichitta has four parts:

Answer 2

1. The causes of going for refuge
2. Visualizing the objects of refuge
3. The way of going for refuge
4. Generating aspiring and engaging bodhichitta

Question 3

How do we visualize the objects of refuge?

Answer 3

Buddha Jewel - Guru Heruka Father & Mother, Gurus, Yidams & Buddhas

Sangha Jewel - Bodhisattvas, Heroes, Dakinis and Dharma Protectors

Dharma Jewel - the inner realizations of the stages of the vast and profound paths of all these holy beings.

Question 4

What is the refuge prayer?

Answer 4

Eternally I shall go for refuge
To Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Question 5

How is the way of generating bodhichitta according to HYT superior to the way of generating it according to Sutra?

Answer 5

Bodhichitta is a primary mind, motivated by great compassion, that spontaneously wishes to become Buddha Heruka.

This bodhichitta can only be generated by HYT practitioners who clearly understand how they can become Buddha Heruka through the practice of the generation and completion stages of Heruka Tantra.

Question 6

What is the difference between entering the gateway of HYT and entering the path of HYT?

Answer 6

We enter the gateway of HYT by receiving empowerment, but to enter the path of HYT we need to develop the uncommon bodhichitta of HYT.

Question 7

With what prayer can we generate aspiring bodhichitta?

Answer 7

For the sake of all living beings
I shall become Heruka

Question 8

With what prayer can we generate engaging bodhichitta?

Answer 8

To lead all mother living beings to the state of ultimate happiness,
I shall attain as quickly as possible, in this very life,
The state of the Union of Buddha Heruka.
For this purpose I shall practise the stages of Heruka’s path.