Under the canopy of the
long branches of the Bodhi Tree, its green leaves turning in a
soft breeze, His Holiness gave a brief talk on The Twenty-One
Praises of Tara, written by Vairocana. First, he spoke of
the wide range of her activities that benefit all living beings
on a temporary and ultimate level. They include: creating peace;
bringing people into the Dharma; overcoming illness and doubt;
conquering the afflictions through the practice of the Six
Perfections; developing the power to benefit others; protecting
from negative spells and spirits; dispelling poverty and
obstructions; pacifying great misdeeds; effacing bad dreams, and
resolving disputes.
His Holiness affirmed
that there was not one master of India or Tibet who did not rely
on Tara. She is supreme when it comes to dispelling problems and
difficulties. When we pray to Tara, she will quell outer and
inner obstacles; for practitioners, she will help their wisdom
grow. These abilities are indispensable, especially as there are
many obstructions and negative situations which prevent us from
developing fully.
In Tibet the great masters pray to Tara for long life, freedom
from obstacles to their lineage, and for the spontaneous
accomplishment of their activity. His holiness asked in
particular that we keep in mind the reincarnation of Khabje
Bokar Rinpoche and pray that he will soon return to this world
to continue his vast activity and nurture his disciples. His
Holiness also said that one of the great masters of our lineage,
Pawo Rinpoche, has a serious illness and he asked us to say
prayers to Tara that these obstacles may be removed. The chant
master then began the recitation of "The Twenty-One Praises" in
a slow and sonorous voice.
