True Buddha Practice

Book
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng

Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................... 1-2
2. About Living Buddha Lian-sheng .......................................................................................................... 2-3
3. Incense Praise .......................................................................................................................................... 3-4
4. Pure Dharma Body Buddha..................................................................................................................... 4-5
5. Vajrasattva (Vajra-Heart) Practice (of the Four Preliminary Practices) .................................................. 5-6
The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra: ..................................................................................................... 5-9
6. Root Guru (Padmakumara) Yoga .......................................................................................................... 6-17
7. Amitabha Buddha Personal Deity Yoga................................................................................................ 7-29
8. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Personal Deity Yoga................................................................................. 8-33
9. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Personal Deity Yoga ...................................................................................... 9-37
10. Maha Cundi Bodhisattva Personal Deity Yoga ................................................................................. 10-41
11. Yellow Jambhala Personal Deity Yoga ............................................................................................. 11-45
12. Padmasambhava Personal Deity Yoga .............................................................................................. 12-49
13. Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha Personal Deity Yoga .............................................................. 13-53
14. How To Take Refuge in Living Buddha Lian-sheng......................................................................... 14-57
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 1-1
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 1. Disclaimer

One must receive the appropriate empowerment from Living

Buddha Lian-sheng or authorized True Buddha masters before
engaging in any practice. The mantra sounds within the text are
translated as closely as possible to the mantra sounds made by
Living Buddha Lian-sheng. However, for exact accuracy, please
obtain the appropriate mantra tapes from local True Buddha
temples or chapters, or consult with authorized masters.
Translators have put in their utmost efforts in translating these
practices. Should there be any further questions, please write to the
True Buddha Foundation.

May the compassionate Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Buddhas,

Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Protectors bless these translated
practices. May the True Buddha Tantric Dharma liberate all beings
in the Six Realms of Transmigration.

The practice is made possible by the encouragement and support of

True Buddha Foundation.

For more information and other True Buddha material please visit
the following website:

www.padmakumara.org

Created on July 26, 2003

Revision 1.5

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 1-2

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 2. About Living Buddha Lian-sheng

Living Buddha Lian-sheng is a prominent religious figure throughout the

world. As of 2003, over 5 million people have taken refuge in his True
Buddha School. With over 300 chapters worldwide, the True Buddha School
is recognized as a major component in Buddhism today. Living Buddha
Lian-sheng has written over 160 books in Chinese on varied topics such as
Tantric Buddhism, Geomancy, Zen Buddhism, and Taoism. Many of these
books are now being translated into English and various other languages.
Living Buddha Lian-sheng is also an exceptionally talented artist. His
undeniably beautiful paintings bring tranquility, prosperity, love, and
happiness to people's lives. Currently, Living Buddha Lian-sheng is on
spiritual retreat.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 2-3

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 3. Incense Praise

LU XIANG ZHA RE FA JIE MENG XUN

(The censer is now lit, suffusing the Dharma realm.)

ZHU FO HAI HUI XI YAO WEN

(and from afar the scent is inhaled by the True-Buddha Assembly.)

SUI CHU JIE XIANG YUN,

(Auspicious are the gathering clouds, as we now request,)

CHENG YI FANG YIN, ZHU FO XIAN QUAN SHEN

(with sincere and earnest hearts, that all Buddhas manifest.)

NA MO XIANG YUN GAI PU SA MO HE SA (3 times)

(Homage to the Enlightened One, cloud canopy of fragrance, Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas.)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 3-4

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 4. Pure Dharma Body Buddha

QING JING FA SHEN FO QING JING FA SHEN FO

(Pure Dharma body Buddha, pure Dharma body Buddha,)

QING JING FA SHEN PI LU ZHE NA FO

(pure Dharma body Vairocana Buddha.)

YUAN MAN BAU SHEN FO YUAN MAN BAU SHEN FO

(Complete reward body Buddha, complete reward body Buddha,)

YUAN MAN BAU SHEN LU SHE NA FO

(complete reward body Locana Buddha)

QIAN BAI YI HUA FO QIAN BAI YI HUA FO

(countless transformations Buddha, countless transformations Buddha,)

QIAN BAI HUA SHEN SHI JIA MO NI FO

(countless transformations Shakyamuni Buddha.)

DANG LAI XIA SHENG FO DANG LAI XIA SHENG FO

(Future coming Buddha, future coming Buddha)

DANG LAI XIA SHENG MI LE ZUN FO

(future coming Maitreya Buddha)

JI LE SHI JIE FO JI LE SHI JIE FO

(Western Paradise Buddha, Western Paradise Buddha)

JI LE SHI JIE A MI TUO FO

(Western Paradise Amitabha Buddha)

SHI FANG SAN SHI FO SHI FANG SAN SHI FO

(All Buddhas throughout the Three Times, All Buddhas throughout the Three Times,)

SHI FANG SAN SHI YI QIE ZHU FO

(All Buddhas everywhere throughout the three times,)

PI LU ZHE NA FO YUAN LI ZHOU SHA JIE

(Mahavairocana Buddha, His vows permeate all realms.)

YI QIE GUO TU ZHONG HENG ZHUAN WU SHANG LUN

(In each and every World, He continually turns the supreme Dharma wheel.)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 4-5

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 5. Vajrasattva (Vajra-Heart) Practice
(of the Four Preliminary Practices)
A True Buddha School Practice Text

To begin the practice, sit quietly for a few minutes to regulate your breathing, relax your body and
concentrate your mind. Next, visualize the Root Guru appearing above one’s crown and radiating light on
everyone present. Visualize your parents, children, relatives, friends and enemies joining you in this
practice. Chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru to empower you so that the
practice will be auspicious.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-6

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

speech purification: Om, syo-lee syo-lee, ma-ha syo-lee, syo-syo-lee, so-ha.

body purification: Om, syo-do-lee, syo-do-lee, syo-mo-lee, syo-mo-lee, so-ha.
mind purification: Om, fo-ri-la-dam, ho ho hum.
earth god mantra: Namo sam-man-do, moo-toh-nam, om, doo-loo doo-loo dei-wei, so-ha.

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

Om ah hum, so-ha. (3 times)

We sincerely invoke:

Namo Root Guru Living Buddha Lian-sheng

Namo Great White Padmakumara
Namo Lotus Light Self-Mastery Buddha
Namo lineage gurus of True Buddha School

(Each local chapter may invoke Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Dharma Protectors enshrined at its
altar accordingly. At home, one may include the deities present at one’s shrine.)

Namo Great Compassionate Lineage Root Gurus of True Buddha School, may all beings obtain
happiness.
Namo Five Buddhas and deities residing in the shrine, may all beings be liberated from suffering.
Namo all Buddhas of Ten Directions and Three Times, may all beings live in joy and kindness.
Namo the Tripitaka and Twelve Sutras, may all beings forsake discrimination.
Namo all Sages and Sanghas, may all beings attain true realization.
Namo Truly Realized Holy Red-crowned Vajra Master Lian-sheng, may all beings of Six Realms of
Samsara attain the instant supreme realization and continue to take refuge in Lian-sheng Buddha
Land.

3. Great Homage using visualization

First homage to Root Guru and all Buddhas in all times and directions
(using Buddha Shrine Mudra.)

(Visualize in the space in front and above you the Root Guru, all past
lineage gurus, the eight Personal Deities, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and
Dharma Protectors. They appear like multitudes of twinkling stars,
pervading the empty space. Touch the brow point with the mudra and
visualize the Root Guru emitting a white beam of light from his brow
point to your brow point. Touch the throat with the mudra and visualize
the Root Guru emitting a red beam of light from his throat to your throat.
Touch the heart with the mudra and visualize the Root Guru emitting a
blue beam of light from his heart to your heart. Touch the brow point
again and then release the mudra. Visualize yourself prostrating fully on
the floor to pay homage to the Root Guru and Buddhas in all times and
directions.)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-7

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Second homage to all Bodhisattvas (using Lotus Mudra.)

(Employ the mudra and visualize as above to pay homage to all

Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas.)

Third homage to all Dharma Protectors (using Vajra Mudra.)

(Employ the mudra and visualize as above to pay homage to all Dharma
Protectors.)

Fourth half-bow (using Equanimity Mudra).

(Bow and touch mudra against the brow point before releasing the
mudra.)

(For a detailed description of visualization of Great Homage, refer to page 24 of A Complete and
Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

4. Mandala Offering

Form the Offering Mudra: Interlace fingers (with hands back to back)
so palms and fingers face upwards. Hook the index finger of left hand
over middle finger of right. Hook the index finger of the right hand
over the middle finger of left. Hook the thumb of the left hand over the
little finger of the right. Hook the thumb of the right hand over the little
finger of the left. Manipulate the ring fingers so they stand vertically,
back to back.

Place the Offering Mudra in front of the chest. After visualization,

bring the mudra to touch upon the brow point before release.

Visualization: Visualize the offerings at the altar multiplied to first form a row, then multiplied again to
form a field, and multiplied once more to fill all space. This space-filling offering is dedicated to the Root
Guru, past lineage gurus, eight Personal Deities of the True Buddha School, all Buddhas in all times and
directions, all Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas, and all Dharma Protectors.

(For a detailed description of visualization of Mandala Offering, refer to page 35 of A Complete and
Detailed Exposition of the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-8

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Recite the Offering Verse:

Mount Meru together with the Four Continents, sun and moon,
xi mi si zhou bing ri yue

Transforms into precious treasures to offer to the Buddhas.

hua zhu zhen bao gong yang fo

May the immeasurable merits arisen from these treasures

zhong zhong zhen qi zhu gong de

Quickly remove negative karma to realize Buddhahood.

xiao ye su su zheng pu ti

Recite the Offering Mantra: Om, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-da, ee-da-mooh, gu-ru la-na, man-cha-la, kan, nee-
lee- yeh, dah- yah-mee.

5. Fourfold Refuge

Visualization: Visualize the Root Guru, all past lineage gurus, all Buddhas, Dharma, and Sanghas
merge into a great white light that empowers one.

Recite Fourfold Refuge Mantra: Namo Guru bei, Namo Buddha ye, Namo Dharma ye, Namo
Sangha ye. (3 times)

(For a detailed description on the fourfold refuge visualization and lineage empowerment, refer to page
46 of A Complete and Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

6. Armor Protection

Form the Vajra Mudra before the forehead.

Recite the mantra: Om, bo ru lan ze lee (7 times)

After recitation, bring the mudra to touch the brow point, then throat, heart, left shoulder, and right
shoulder, then back to the forehead. At the moment of releasing the mudra, one visualizes the Dharma
Protector at one’s shrine transforming into four bodies, guarding oneself in front and behind, and to
the right and left sides.

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra

The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra:

gao wang guan shi yin zhen jing:

Homage to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

guan shi yin pu sa,

Namo Buddhaya,
na mo fo,
Namo Dharmaya,
na mo fa
Namo Sanghaya
na mo seng,
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-9
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 An affinity with the Pure Lands opens the Dharma Doors.
fo guo you yuan, fo fa xiang yin,

By engaging permanence, bliss, identity, and purity, one is blessed with the Dharma.
chang le wo jing, you yuan fo fa.

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, a great spiritual mantra.

na mo mo ho bo re bo luo mi shi da shen zhou,

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, a great wisdom mantra.

na mo mo he bo re bo luo mi shi da ming zhou,

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, a supreme mantra.

na mo mo he bo re bo luo mi shi wu shang zhou,

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, an unequaled mantra.

na mo mo he bo re bo luo mi shi wu deng deng zhou.

Namo the Pure Light Secret Buddha,

na mo jing guang mi mi fo,

the Dharma Treasury Buddha,

fa zang fo,

the Tranquil King Buddha with Lion’s roar and divine speed,
shi zi hou shen zu you wang fo,

the Sumeru Light King Buddha announced by Buddha,

fo gao xu mi deng wang fo,.

the Dharma Protector Buddha,

fa hu fo,

the Vajra Treasury Roaming Lion Buddha,

jin gang zang shi zi you xi fo,

the Precious Victory Buddha,

bao sheng fo,

the Supernatural Power Buddha,

shen tong fo,

the Medicine Crystal Light King Buddha,

yao shi liu li guang wang fo,

the Universal Light Merit Mountain King Buddha,

pu guang gong de shan wang fo,

the Merit Retaining Jewel King Buddha,

shan zhu gong de bao wang fo,

the Seven Past Buddhas,

guo qu qi fo,

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-10

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 the Future Thousand Buddhas of this fortunate eon,
wei lai xian jie qian fo,

the Fifteen Hundred Buddhas,

qian wu bai fo,

the Fifteen Thousand Buddhas,

wan wu qian fo,

the Five Hundred Flower Victory Buddhas,

wu bai hua sheng fo,

the Ten Billion Vajra Treasury Buddhas,

bai yi jin gang zang fo,

and the Fixed Light Buddha.

ding guang fo,

The Buddhas of Six Directions:

liu fang liu fo ming hao:

To the East the Precious Light Moon Palace Venerable Wonderful Voice King Buddha,
dong fang bao guang yue dian yue miao zun yin wang fo

To the South the Tree-Root Flower King Buddha,

nan fang shu gen hua wang fo,

To the West the Spiritual Power Flower Blazing King Buddha,

xi fang zao wang shen tong yan hua wang fo,

To the North the Moon Palace Purity Buddha,

bei fang yue dian qing jing fo,

Above, the countless Vigor Jewel Crown Buddhas,

shang fang wu shu jing jin bao shou fo,

Below, the Tranquil Moon Sound King Buddha.

xia fang shan ji yue yin wang fo.

All the countless Buddhas,

wu liang zhu fo,

Many Jewels Buddhas,

duo bao fo,

Shakyamuni Buddha,
shi jia mou ni fo,

Maitreya Buddha,
mi le fo,

Akshobhya Buddha,
ah chu fo,

Amitabha Buddha.
mi tuo fo.
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-11
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 All beings in the Central Realm,
zhong yang yi qie zhong sheng,

and those in the Pure Lands,

zai fo shi jie zhong zhe,

while moving upon the Earth and through the Heavens,

xing zhu yu di shang, ji zai xu kong zhong

shower limitless compassion upon all beings,

ci you yu yi qie zhong sheng,

affording them equanimity and peace,

ge ling an wen xiu xi

that they might cultivate day and night.

zhou ye xiu chi

By constantly invoking this sutra,

xin chang qiu song ci jing

one is liberated from the suffering of birth and death,

neng mie sheng si ku,

and freed from all the many kinds of suffering.

xiao chu zhu du hai

Namo the great wisdom Avalokitesvara,

na mo da ming guan shi yin,

the observant Avalokitesvara,

guan ming guan shi yin,

the noble Avalokitesvara,

gao ming guan shi yin,

the expansively-minded Avalokitesvara,

kai ming guan shi yin,

the Medicine King Bodhisattva,

yao wang pu sa,

the supreme Medicine Bodhisattva,

yao shang pu sa,

Manjushri Bodhisattva,
wen shu shi li pu sa,

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva,
pu xian pu sa,

Akasagarbha Bodhisattva,
xu kong zang pu sa,

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-12

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva,
di zang wang pu sa,

the billions of Clear Cool Treasure Mountain Bodhisattvas,

qing liang bao shan yi wan pu sa,

the Universal Light Venerable King Tathagata Bodhisattva.

pu guang wang ru lai hua sheng pu sa,

Chanting this sutra continually,

nian nian song ci jing,

the Seven World-Honored Buddhas recite this mantra:

qi fo shi zun, ji shuo zhou yue:

Lee-poh-lee-poh-deh, kyo-ho-kyo-ho-deh,
toh-loh-nee-deh, nee-ah-la-deh,
pee-lee-nee-deh, mo-ho-kya-deh,
jen-len-chen-deh, so-ha. (7 times)

(Recite the Amitabha Buddha Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

Na-mo A-mi-doh-poh-ye, doh-ta-ga-doh-ye, doh-deh-ye-ta, A-mi-lee-doh-poh-pee, A-mi-lee-doh

seh-dan-poh-pee, A-mi-lee-doh pek-ga-lan-deh, A-mi-lee-doh pek-ga-lan-doh, ga-mee-nee,
ka-ka-nah, zhi-doh-ka-lee, so-ha.

8. Recite the Four Immeasurable Vows:

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness;

this is immeasurable loving-kindness.
yuan yi qie zhong sheng ju zu le ji le yin, shi ci wu liang

May all beings be liberated from suffering and the causes of suffering;
this is immeasurable compassion.
yuan yi qie zhong sheng tuo li ku ji ku yin, shi bei wu liang

May all beings be free of suffering and always stay happy;

this is immeasurable joy.
yuan yi qie zhong sheng yong zhu wu ku an le, shi xi wu liang

May all beings be free of grasping and aversion towards others and develop faith in the equality of all
who live; this is immeasurable equanimity.
yuan yi qie zhong sheng qi ai zeng zhu ping deng, shi she wu liang

Recite Bodhicitta Verse:

Student Lian-hua ________ shall take refuge in the Root Guru and Triple Jewels until reaching
Enlightenment. I will never recede on the path. May all my virtues be dedicated to all beings for their
speedy enlightenment.

Recite Bodhicitta Mantra (3 times):

Om, bo-dee-gee-da, be-dza, sa-ma-ya, ah-hum.

Recite Repentance Verse (3 times):

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-13

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 All my transgressions committed since time immemorial,
wo xi suo zuo zhu zui ye.

which originate in beginningless greed, hatred, and stupidity,

jie you wu shi tan chen chi.

And which are manifest through my body, speech, and mind,

cong shen yu yi zhi suo sheng.

these I fully confess and repent of them altogether.

yi qie wo jin jie chan hui.

Recite Repentance Mantra (108 times):

Om, be-dza, sa-ma-ya, soo-deh-ah.

9. Recite the Root Guru Heart Mantra (108 times): Om, guru, Lian-sheng siddhi hum.

10. Vajrasattva (Vajra-Heart) Yoga

Form the mudra: The right hand holds a fist facing inward, with the thumb
pressing on the index finger. The left hand holds a fist facing outward, with the
index finger pressing on the thumb. Hold this mudra in front of the chest.

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra 3 times,

“Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang.”

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises
from the ocean into the sky. Inside the moon disc is the white Tibetan seed
syllable “hum,” emitting great white light.

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into
Vajrasattva. His body is white, and he is adorned by a Five-Buddha Crown,
celestial garments and ornaments. Sitting on a moon disc supported by an
eight-petal lotus, Vajrasattva holds, against his heart, a vajra scepter in his
The HUM syllable
right hand (in the Fierce Mudra) and, by his left thigh, a vajra bell in his left
hand (also in the Fierce Mudra). At the level of his heart is a recitation wheel
containing, around the circumference, the Hundred Syllable Mantra. This
mantra wheel revolves and radiates brilliant white light.

(3) This great white light arcs over and down, pouring through one’s crown and
flooding one’s entire body. Thus, one’s whole body also exhibits a great white
light, and negative karma and thoughts are expelled as black smoke through all
skin pores. One’s body becomes crystal clear, radiating light. One enters a
state of joy in meditation.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-14

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
11. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (21 or 49 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

12. Entering Samadhi:

Visualization of Entering of the Deity into Oneself (Ru-wo Guan)

(1) Visualize Vajrasattva sitting on top of one’s crown

opening.
(2) Inside one’s body, the lotus at the heart chakra opens up.
On the lotus is a moon disc. In the moon disc is the seed
syllable of Vajrasattva, “Hum.” Visualize this seed
syllable emitting white light.
(3) Visualize Vajrasattva (atop one’s crown) transform into a
pearl of light, the size of a grain of rice. He travels through
the crown opening to descend down the central channel
until reaching and resting on the heart chakra.
(4) Vajrasattva (sitting on the heart chakra lotus) gradually
enlarges, until becoming exactly the same size as one.
Visualize oneself as Vajrasattva. There is no difference
between the two.

13. Emerging from Samadhi and Dedication:

Living Buddha Lian-sheng teaches Great Tantric practice,

lian sheng huo fo jiao shou da mi fa,

Vajrasattva transforming into Vajra-Heart,

jin gang sa duo bian hua jin gang xin.

An authentic spiritual response when the two merge into one,

er zhe rong he zhen shi da xiang ying.

Eradicating negative hindrances to attain Purity.

zui zhang xiao chu zhen zheng de qing jing.

14. Chanting the principal heart mantras:

Om, ah-mee-deh-wah-seh. (Amitabha Buddha Heart Mantra)

Om, ma-nee pad-mee, hum. (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

Om, pun-lah-moh lin-toh-lin, so-ha. (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Mantra that Removes Fixed Karma)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-15

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Om, ha ha ha, wei sam-mo-yeh, so-ha. (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

Om, dze-lee dzu-lee, zhun-tee, so-ha. (Maha Cundi Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

Om, jum-bah-lah, chan-lan chah-nah-yeh, so-ha. (Yellow Jambhala Heart Mantra)

Om ah hum, be-dza, gu-ru, beh-ma, sih-dee, hum, seh. (Guru Padmasambhava Heart Mantra)

Om ah hum, gu-ru-bei, ah-ha-sa-sa-ma-ha, Lian-sheng sih-dee hum. (Padmakumara Bodhisattva Heart

Mantra)

Deh-yah-tah, om, beh-ka-dzee-yah, beh-ka-dzee-yah, ma-ha beh-ka-dzee-yah, la-dza-sah-mo-kyah-

doh-heh, so-ha. (Medicine Buddha Heart Mantra)

15. Intoning the Buddha:

Namo the 36 trillion 119 thousand and 500 Amitabha Buddhas (3 times)
Na-mo san-shi-liu-wan-yi yi-shi-yi-wan jiu-qian-wu-bai tong-ming-tong-hao ah-mi-tuo-fo

16. Dedication:

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy,
free of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

(For a detailed description of dedication, refer to page 165 of A Complete and Detailed Exposition on
the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

17. Great Homage using visualization (same as step 3)

18. Recite the Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 5-16

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 6. Root Guru (Padmakumara) Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

First empty the mind. Next visualize the Root Guru appearing above one’s crown and radiating light on
everyone present. Then visualize your parents, children, relatives, friends, and enemies joining you in this
practice.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-17

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

speech purification: Om, syo-lee syo-lee, ma-ha syo-lee, syo-syo-lee, so-ha.

body purification: Om, syo-do-lee, syo-do-lee, syo-mo-lee, syo-mo-lee, so-ha.
mind purification: Om, fo-ri-la-dam, ho ho hum.
earth god mantra: Namo sam-man-do, moo-toh-nam, om, doo-loo doo-loo dei-wei, so-ha.

3. Recite the Invocation Mantra

Om ah hum, so-ha. (3 times)

We sincerely invoke:

Namo Root Guru Living Buddha Lian-sheng

Namo Great White Padmakumara
Namo Lotus Light Self-Mastery Buddha
Namo lineage gurus of True Buddha School

(Each local chapter may invoke Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Protectors enshrined at its
altar accordingly. At home, one may include the deities present at one’s shrine.)

Namo all Buddhas of Ten Directions and Three Times, all Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas.
Namo Maha Prajna Paramita.

4. Great Homage using visualization

First homage to Root Guru and all Buddhas in all times and directions
(using Buddha Shrine Mudra.)

(Visualize in the space in front and above you the Root Guru, all past
lineage gurus, the eight Personal Deities, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and
Dharma Protectors. They appear like multitudes of twinkling stars,
pervading the empty space. Touch the brow point with the mudra and
visualize the Root Guru emitting a white beam of light from his brow
point to your brow point. Touch the throat with the mudra and visualize
the Root Guru emitting a red beam of light from his throat to your throat.
Touch the heart with the mudra and visualize the Root Guru emitting a
blue beam of light from his heart to your heart. Touch the brow point
again and then release the mudra. Visualize yourself prostrating fully on
the floor to pay homage to the Root Guru and Buddhas in all times and
directions.)

Second homage to all Bodhisattvas (using Lotus Mudra.)

(Employ the mudra and visualize as above to pay homage to all

Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas.)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-18

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Third homage to all Dharma Protectors (using Vajra Mudra.)

(Employ the mudra and visualize as above to pay homage to all Dharma
Protectors.)

Fourth half-bow (using Equanimity Mudra).

(Bow and touch mudra against the brow point before releasing the
mudra.)

(For a detailed description of visualization of Great Homage, refer to page 24 of A Complete and
Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

5. Mandala Offering

Form the Offering Mudra: Interlace fingers (with hands back to back)
so palms and fingers face upwards. Hook the index finger of left hand
over middle finger of right. Hook the index finger of the right hand
over the middle finger of left. Hook the thumb of the left hand over the
little finger of the right. Hook the thumb of the right hand over the little
finger of the left. Manipulate the ring fingers so they stand vertically,
back to back.

Place the Offering Mudra in front of the chest. After visualization,

bring the mudra to touch upon the brow point before release.

Visualization: Visualize the offerings at the altar multiplied to first form a row, then multiplied again
to form a field, and multiplied once more to fill all space. This space-filling offering is dedicated to
the Root Guru, past lineage gurus, eight Personal Deities of the True Buddha School, all Buddhas in
all times and directions, all Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas, and all Dharma Protectors.

(For a detailed description of visualization of Mandala Offering, refer to page 35 of A Complete and
Detailed Exposition of the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

Recite the Offering Verse:

Mount Meru together with the Four Continents, sun and moon,
xi mi si zhou bing ri yue

Transforms into precious treasures to offer to the Buddhas.

hua zhu zhen bao gong yang fo

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-19

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 May the immeasurable merits arisen from these treasures
zhong zhong zhen qi zhu gong de

Quickly remove negative karma to realize Buddhahood.

xiao ye su su zheng pu ti

Recite the Offering Mantra:

Om, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-da, ee-da-mooh, gu-ru la-na, man-cha-la, kan, nee-lee-yeh, dah-yah-mee.

6. Fourfold Refuge

Visualization: Visualize the Root Guru, all past lineage gurus, all Buddhas, Dharma, and Sanghas
merge into a great white light that empowers one.

Recite Fourfold Refuge Mantra: Namo Guru bei, Namo Buddha ye, Namo Dharma ye, Namo
Sangha ye. (3 times)

(For a detailed description on the fourfold refuge visualization and lineage empowerment, refer to page
46 of A Complete and Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

7. Armor Protection

Form the Vajra Mudra before the forehead.

Recite the mantra: Om, bo ru lan ze lee (7 times)

After recitation, bring the mudra to touch the brow point, then throat, heart, left shoulder, and right
shoulder, then back to the forehead. At the moment of releasing the mudra, one visualizes the Dharma
Protector at one’s shrine transforming into four bodies, guarding oneself in front and behind, and to
the right and left sides.

8. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra

The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra:

gao wang guan shi yin zhen jing:

Homage to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

guan shi yin pu sa,

Namo Buddhaya,
na mo fo,
Namo Dharmaya,
na mo fa
Namo Sanghaya
na mo seng,

An affinity with the Pure Lands

opens the Dharma Doors.
fo guo you yuan, fo fa xiang yin,

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-20

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 By engaging permanence, bliss, identity, and purity,
one is blessed with the Dharma.
chang le wo jing, you yuan fo fa.

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, a great spiritual mantra.

na mo mo ho bo re bo luo mi shi da shen zhou,

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, a great wisdom mantra.

na mo mo he bo re bo luo mi shi da ming zhou,

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, a supreme mantra.

na mo mo he bo re bo luo mi shi wu shang zhou,

Namo Maha Prajna Paramita, an unequaled mantra.

na mo mo he bo re bo luo mi shi wu deng deng zhou.

Namo the Pure Light Secret Buddha,

na mo jing guang mi mi fo,

the Dharma Treasury Buddha,

fa zang fo,

the Tranquil King Buddha with Lion’s roar and divine speed,
shi zi hou shen zu you wang fo,

the Sumeru Light King Buddha announced by Buddha,

fo gao xu mi deng wang fo,.

the Dharma Protector Buddha,

fa hu fo,

the Vajra Treasury Roaming Lion Buddha,

jin gang zang shi zi you xi fo,

the Precious Victory Buddha,

bao sheng fo,

the Supernatural Power Buddha,

shen tong fo,

the Medicine Crystal Light King Buddha,

yao shi liu li guang wang fo,

the Universal Light Merit Mountain King Buddha,

pu guang gong de shan wang fo,

the Merit Retaining Jewel King Buddha,

shan zhu gong de bao wang fo,

the Seven Past Buddhas,

guo qu qi fo,

the Future Thousand Buddhas of this fortunate eon,

wei lai xian jie qian fo,

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-21

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 the Fifteen Hundred Buddhas,
qian wu bai fo,

the Fifteen Thousand Buddhas,

wan wu qian fo,

the Five Hundred Flower Victory Buddhas,

wu bai hua sheng fo,

the Ten Billion Vajra Treasury Buddhas,

bai yi jin gang zang fo,

and the Fixed Light Buddha.

ding guang fo,

The Buddhas of Six Directions:

liu fang liu fo ming hao:

To the East the Precious Light Moon Palace Venerable Wonderful Voice King Buddha,
dong fang bao guang yue dian yue miao zun yin wang fo

To the South the Tree-Root Flower King Buddha,

nan fang shu gen hua wang fo,

To the West the Spiritual Power Flower Blazing King Buddha,

xi fang zao wang shen tong yan hua wang fo,

To the North the Moon Palace Purity Buddha,

bei fang yue dian qing jing fo,

Above, the countless Vigor Jewel Crown Buddhas,

shang fang wu shu jing jin bao shou fo,

Below, the Tranquil Moon Sound King Buddha.

xia fang shan ji yue yin wang fo.

All the countless Buddhas,

wu liang zhu fo,

Many Jewels Buddhas,

duo bao fo,

Shakyamuni Buddha,
shi jia mou ni fo,

Maitreya Buddha,
mi le fo,

Akshobhya Buddha,
ah chu fo,

Amitabha Buddha.
mi tuo fo.

All beings in the Central Realm,

zhong yang yi qie zhong sheng,
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-22
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 and those in the Pure Lands,
zai fo shi jie zhong zhe,

while moving upon the Earth and through the Heavens,

xing zhu yu di shang, ji zai xu kong zhong

shower limitless compassion upon all beings,

ci you yu yi qie zhong sheng,

affording them equanimity and peace,

ge ling an wen xiu xi

that they might cultivate day and night.

zhou ye xiu chi

By constantly invoking this sutra,

xin chang qiu song ci jing

one is liberated from the suffering of birth and death,

neng mie sheng si ku,

and freed from all the many kinds of suffering.

xiao chu zhu du hai

Namo the great wisdom Avalokitesvara,

na mo da ming guan shi yin,

the observant Avalokitesvara,

guan ming guan shi yin,

the noble Avalokitesvara,

gao ming guan shi yin,

the expansively-minded Avalokitesvara,

kai ming guan shi yin,

the Medicine King Bodhisattva,

yao wang pu sa,

the supreme Medicine Bodhisattva,

yao shang pu sa,

Manjushri Bodhisattva,
wen shu shi li pu sa,

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva,
pu xian pu sa,

Akasagarbha Bodhisattva,
xu kong zang pu sa,

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva,
di zang wang pu sa,

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-23

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 the billions of Clear Cool Treasure Mountain Bodhisattvas,
qing liang bao shan yi wan pu sa,

the Universal Light Venerable King Tathagata Bodhisattva.

pu guang wang ru lai hua sheng pu sa,

Chanting this sutra continually,

nian nian song ci jing,

the Seven World-Honored Buddhas recite this mantra:

qi fo shi zun, ji shuo zhou yue:

Lee-poh-lee-poh-deh, kyo-ho-kyo-ho-deh,
toh-loh-nee-deh, nee-ah-la-deh,
pee-lee-nee-deh, mo-ho-kya-deh,
jen-len-chen-deh, so-ha. (7 times)

(Recite the Amitabha Buddha Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

Na-mo A-mi-doh-poh-ye, doh-ta-ga-doh-ye, doh-deh-ye-ta, A-mi-lee-doh-poh-pee, A-mi-lee-doh

seh-dan-poh-pee, A-mi-lee-doh pek-ga-lan-deh, A-mi-lee-doh pek-ga-lan-doh, ga-mee-nee,
ka-ka-nah, zhi-doh-ka-lee, so-ha.

(One may also chant the True Buddha Sutra.)

9. Invocation of Padmakumara:

(Padmakumara Mudra)

Form the Padmakumara Mudra:

Place the right hand before the right side of the chest, with the palm facing outward and fingers
together, pointed up. Now bend the thumb and middle finger so that their tips meet, forming a circle.
(This is the Dharma-teaching Mudra.)
Place the left hand before the left side of the chest, with the palm facing inward and fingers together,
pointed up. Now bend the thumb and index finger so that their tips meet, forming a circle. Then bend
the middle and ring fingers in to touch the center of the palm. The small finger remains pointed up.
(This is the Lotus-holding Mudra.)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-24

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Chant the Invocation Verse:

Lotus is your nature, and Dharmakaya your essence.

Your right hand displays the Dharma-teaching Mudra,
Your left hand displays the Lotus-holding Mudra.
Your Nirmanakaya manifests in myriad realms.
Celestial garments and exquisite jewels reveal your magnificence.
By merging the lineages of your transmissions,
Taoism, Sutrayana, Tantrayana,
A supreme and precious teaching was born.
True Buddha Tantric Dharma guides the sentient beings
And liberates all, without omission!

Zi-xing lian-hua fa-xing-sheng

You-shou shuo-fa zuo-chi-lian
Hua-sheng bian-man qian-wan-jing
Tian-yi bao-shi miao zhuang-yan
De-cheng dao-xian-mi yi-sheng
Rong-he chuan-cheng zui-shang-zhen
Zhen-fo mi-fa zhong-sheng dao
Pu-du qun-sheng er wu-yu

Visualization of the Empowerment of Three Lights:

First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra:

Om Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(The HUM syllable)

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into
the sky. Inside the moon disc is the white seed syllable “hum,” emitting great white light.

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into the Root Guru, smiling and
sitting majestically on a great white lotus seat.

(3) From the brow point of the Root Guru, a beam of white light shines onto one’s brow point.
From the throat of the Root Guru, a beam of red light shines onto one’s throat. From the heart of
the Root Guru, a beam of blue light shines onto one’s heart. The three lights of white, red, and blue
merge completely into one’s body-mind.

10. Recite Root Guru (Padmakumara) Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-25

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when
a bead is moved, visualize the Root Guru appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Chant mantra (long or short version) 108 times:

Om ah hum, gu-ru-bei, ah-ha-sa-sa-ma-ha, Lian-sheng sih-dee hum. (long version)

Om, gu-ru, Lian-sheng sih-dee hum. (short version)

11. Nine Cycle Breathing and Entering Samadhi

Nine Cycle Breathing:

(1) Visualize white light enter the right nostril. Here it becomes red light and descends the right
channel to enter the left channel at the dan-tien; then, still as red light, it ascends the left channel to
exit the left nostril as dark light.
(2) Visualize white light enter the left nostril. Here it becomes red light and descends the left channel
to enter the right channel at the dan-tien; then, still as red light, it ascends the right channel to exit
the right nostril as dark light.
(3) Visualize white light simultaneously enter both nostrils, transform into red light, descend down
both side channels and enter the central channel at the dan-tien, ascend to the top [crown chakra],
then return to dan-tien to enter both side channels, exiting as dark light at both nostrils.
(4) Breathe in through left nostril and out at the right (as in 2).
(5) Breathe in through right nostril and out at the left (as in 1).
(6) Breathe in and out through both nostrils (as in 3).
(7) Breathe in and out through both nostrils (as in 3).
(8) Breathe in through right nostril and out at the left (as in 1).
(9) Breathe in through left nostril and out at the right (as in 2).

Entering of the Deity into Oneself (Ru-wo Guan):

(1) Visualize the Deity (in this practice, Root Guru or Padmakumara) sitting atop one’s crown
opening.
(2) Inside one’s body, the lotus located at the central channel at the heart chakra opens up to reveal a
moon disc. On the moon disc is the Deity’s seed syllable radiating light.
(3) Visualize the Deity at one’s crown transform into a light pearl the size of a grain of rice. This light
pearl enters through the crown opening to descend down one’s central channel.
Upon reaching the heart chakra, the light pearl rests atop the lotus there.
(4) The Deity at the heart chakra lotus gradually enlarges until becoming exactly the same size as one.
Visualize one becoming the Deity. There is no separation between one and the Deity.

Release of Oneself into the Cosmic Consciousness (Wo-ru Guan):

Visualize oneself as the Deity, ascending the central channel and entering into the Void and merging
into the Cosmic Ocean of Great Light.
Release the self completely by entering and merging with the Void, the Cosmic Consciousness, and
the Ocean of Light.
The Cosmic Consciousness is one’s own consciousness. Both the shrine and the universe are radiating
great light. If one is not able to release the self, immediately visualize oneself as the Deity again. After
achieving a clear visualization, release the self and enter into the Void again. This process is known as
“alternating cessation with visualization/observation” or “dual employment of cessation and
visualization/observation.”

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-26

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Breath Counting Method:

Mentally count one’s own inhalation and exhalation, until arriving at the “stillness” condition of “no-
thought.” In this state of “stability,” there is the release of the self into the Cosmos.

(For a detailed description of the Empowerment of Three Lights, Chanting of Heart Mantras, Nine
Cycle Breathing, Entering into Samadhi, and Breath Counting, refer to pp. 78-130 of A Complete and
Detailed Exposition on the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

12. Emerging from Samadhi:

The procedure for emerging from Samadhi is a reversal of the Entering of the Deity into Oneself and
Release of Oneself into the Cosmic Consciousness in step 10. Visualize oneself emerge from the Void
to return to one’s body. The Deity then contracts to rest upon the heart chakra lotus, and transforms
into a light pearl. The light pearl ascends the central channel to exit through the crown opening, and
transforms back into the Deity. One emerges from Samadhi.

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras:

Om, ah-mee-deh-wah-seh. (Amitabha Buddha Heart Mantra)

Om, ma-nee pad-mee, hum. (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

Om, pun-lah-moh lin-toh-lin, so-ha. (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Mantra that Removes Fixed Karma)

Om, ha ha ha, wei sam-mo-yeh, so-ha. (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

Om, dze-lee dzu-lee, zhun-tee, so-ha. (Maha Cundi Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

Om, jum-bah-lah, chan-lan chah-nah-yeh, so-ha. (Yellow Jambhala Heart Mantra)

Om ah hum, be-dza, gu-ru, beh-ma, sih-dee, hum, seh. (Guru Padmasambhava Heart Mantra)

Om ah hum, gu-ru-bei, ah-ha-sa-sa-ma-ha, Lian-sheng sih-dee hum. (Padmakumara Heart Mantra)

Deh-yah-tah, om, beh-ka-dzee-yah, beh-ka-dzee-yah, ma-ha beh-ka-dzee-yah, la-dza-sah-mo-kyah-

doh-heh, so-ha. (Medicine Buddha Heart Mantra)

13. Intoning the Buddha:

Namo the 36 trillion 119 thousand and 500 Amitabha Buddhas (3 times)

Na-mo san-shi-liu-wan-yi yi-shi-yi-wan jiu-qian-wu-bai tong-ming-tong-hao ah-mi-tuo-fo

14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra: (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-27

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
15. Dedication:

With reverence I practice the yoga of Holy Guru Lian-sheng,

The True Buddha School helps all beings.
The Padmakumara Mantra delivers one to the Twin Lotus Ponds,
Where the Eighteen Lotuses have manifested.
Such a supreme and rare secret transmission,
I now practice and make a universal offering.
By engendering a deep and sincere vow,
May I soon ascend to this Buddha Land.

Also:

May the Holy Guru bless

And empower me to attain a lotus-birth.
May I attain Perfection and Self-mastery,
Liberating the self and others to the Buddha Land.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

(For a detailed description of dedication, refer to page 165 of A Complete and Detailed Exposition on
the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

16. Great Homage using visualization (same as step 3)

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 6-28

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 7. Amitabha Buddha Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 7-29

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

6. Mandala Offering

7. Fourfold Refuge

8. Armor Protection

9. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

Mudra (either Meditation Mudra or Root Mudra):

(Meditation Mudra )

Meditation Mudra: Hold both hands below the navel chakra, with the right hand over the left and palms
facing up. Form a circle with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, and form another with the
thumb and index finger of the left so that both circles meet.

Or, Root Mudra: Hold both hands in front of the chest and interlace fingers to form a fist. Extend the
two middle fingers to touch and form a circle.

(Seh Syllable )

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-

er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 7-30

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 (1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into
the sky. Inside the moon disc is the red seed syllable “seh,” emitting great red light.

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into Amitabha. Amitabha holds a
nectar-filled bowl with his Meditation Mudra and looks compassionately at all beings.

(3) Visualize the nectar from the bowl held by Amitabha transform into a stream of white light which
rises up in an arc and comes down to enter one’s body through the crown chakra. As a result, one’s
entire body becomes crystal clear and purified of all karmic hindrances.

9. Recite Amitabha Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”
into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when a
bead is moved, visualize Amitabha appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Mantra: Om, ah-mee-deh-wah-seh. (108 times)

13. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:

Homage to Amitabha
Whose majestic, pure vow brings peace and bliss
To all sentient beings in the turbid worlds,
Guiding them to No-birth in his Western Pure Land.

Jing-yuan zhuang-yan an-le li

Pu-ji zhuo-shi zhu-you-qing
Si-fang jie-yin zheng wu-sheng
A-mi-tuo-fo wo jing-li

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 7-31

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
15. Dedication:

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

(For a detailed description of dedication, refer to page 165 of A Complete and Detailed Exposition on
the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 7-32

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 8. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 8-33

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

4. Mandala Offering

5. Fourfold Refuge

6. Armor Protection

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

(lotus Mudra)

First form the “prayer gesture” as follows. At the level of the chest, join the palms of both hands
together with fingers meeting and pointed up.
Now open the palms so that the hands meet only in three ways: at the very base of the palm, entire
thumb to entire thumb, and entire little finger to entire little finger. Spread the other fingers out
straight but as widely as possible, so that the gesture represents an eight-petalled flower.

(Seh Syllable )

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-
er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into
the sky. Inside the moon disc is the white seed syllable “seh,” emitting great white light.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 8-34

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (same
image as the one enshrined at one’s personal shrine). Avalokitesvara’s body is brilliant white and
adorned with ornaments of a bodhisattva. Sitting on a many petalled lotus, expressing dignity and
compassion, Avalokitesvara radiates boundless pure white light. One may visualize the Six Syllables
(Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum) revolving around Avalokitesvara and sending forth brilliant white light in all
directions.

Visualize the hand implements of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, such as bright pearl, scripture, lotus,
or nectar inside a vase, transform into a brilliant white light which arcs over and down, descending
through one’s crown, filling the body with a mass of purifying light.

9. Recite Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during

chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The

mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”

into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through

the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when

a bead is moved, visualize Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva appear inside the bead and come to the

forefront.

Mantra: Om, ma-nee pad-mee, hum. (108 times)

10. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:

An emanation of the Correct Dharma Enlightened Tathagata,

The Great Compassionate Self-mastery Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Radiates great Buddha light from the Six Syllables,
Guiding all beings to the Buddha’s Pure Land.

Zheng-hua-ming Ru-lai hua-sheng pu-sa

De-cheng zi-zai da-ci guan-shi-yin
Pu-shi jie-fang liu-zi da-guang-ming
Fo-guang dao-yin zhong-sheng zhi fo-tu

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 8-35

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

15. Dedication:

May the pure light purify my karmic hindrances,

Enabling me to become a Self-mastery Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva,
Radiating great compassionate light to aid all beings,
So everyone will take refuge in the Great Compassionate One.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 8-36

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 9. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 9-37

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

4. Mandala Offering

5. Fourfold Refuge

6. Armor Protection

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

(Vajra Samaya Mudra)

Hold both hands at the navel chakra, back to back, with the right hand above the left hand.
Maneuver the little finger of the left hand to rest between the thumb and index finger of the right hand.
Maneuver the thumb of the left hand to rest between the little finger and ring finger of the right hand.
(This mudra is known as the Ksitigarbha Pearl Holding Mudra or Vajra Samaya Mudra.)

(Ching Syllable)

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-
er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into
the sky. Inside the moon disc is the yellow seed syllable “Ching,” emitting great white light.

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Ksitigarbha’s body is white and he wears a Five-Buddha Crown and a cassock. Sitting upon a many
petalled lotus, Ksitigarbha holds a bright precious pearl with both hands.

(3) Visualize the precious pearl sending forth a brilliant white light that travels in an arc to enter one’s
body through the crown chakra. As a result, one’s entire body is purified.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 9-38

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
9. Recite Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”
into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when a
bead is moved, visualize Ksitigarbha appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Mantra (108 times):

Om, pun-lah-moh lin-toh-lin, so-ha. (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Mantra that Removes Fixed Karma)
Om, ha ha ha, wei sam-mo-yeh, so-ha. (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Heart Mantra)

(The first mantra is for removal of karmic hindrances, and the second mantra is used in Personal Deity
Practice. For group practice, use the first mantra.)

10. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:

Ocean deep are the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha,

Postponing Buddhahood until all hells are empty,
Benefiting humans as well as devas,
Attaining Enlightenment when all beings are liberated.

Di-zang ben-yuan shen-ru-hai

Di-yu bu-kong bu-cheng-fo
Li-yi ren-tian da-pu-sa
Zhong-sheng du-jin zheng pu-ti

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 9-39

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
15. Dedication:

May Ksitigarbha be my Personal Deity,

May all beings in the nether worlds be liberated.
May I practice the Bodhisattva Way every day,
Transforming the bright pearl into myriad lights.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 9-40

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 10. Maha Cundi Bodhisattva Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 10-41

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

4. Mandala Offering

5. Fourfold Refuge

6. Armor Protection

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

Mudra: Maha Cundi Root Mudra

Interlace the little fingers and ring fingers of both hands inside the palms. Extend the middle fingers so
their tips touch. Maneuver the index finger of each hand to press upon the back of each corresponding
middle finger. Bring the thumbs together so they touch side by side. Hold the mudra in front of the
chest.

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-
er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into
the sky. Inside the moon disc is the white seed syllable “zhun,” emitting light-yellow light.

(Zhun Syllable)

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into a majestic Maha Cundi
Bodhisattva whose body is light-yellow. Wearing a crown adorned with the image of a Buddha,
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 10-42
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 Maha Cundi has three eyes and eighteen arms. She wears a white celestial garment and her arms are
adorned with ornaments. While the original pair of hands hold the Root Mudra, the other sixteen
hands hold the following implements in a clockwise direction: wish-fulfilling pennant, lotus,
bathing vase, lasso, eight-spoke wheel, conch, precious vase, wisdom chest, headdress, vajra
scepter, hook, axe, heavenly fruit, mala beads, wisdom sword, and Fearless Mudra.

(3) Visualize the third eye of Maha Cundi Bodhisattva emitting a brilliant white light that arches and
enters one’s body through the crown chakra, purifying the body into crystal white.

(4) Visualize the third eye at Maha Cundi Bodhisattva’s brow-point shine a brilliant light into one’s
third eye. Dwell on this visualization with utmost effort. (If one desires to open one’s third eye,
one needs to work on this visualization until there is a tingling sensation at the brow-point.)

9. Recite Maha Cundi Bodhisattva Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”
into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when a
bead is moved, visualize Maha Cundi appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Mantra: Om, dze-lee dzu-lee, zhun-tee, so-ha. (108 times)

10. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:

Great Holy Maha Cundi, full of mercy and accomplishments, homage to you!
Great Compassionate Personal Deity, your grace and merits as vast as oceans, homage to you!
Great Powerful Mantra-holding Ruler, you subjugate all demons and disasters, homage to you!
Great Boundless Fortune-bestowing Maha Cundi, you fulfill our wishes and reveal the Absolute
Reality to us, homage to you!

Da-sheng zhun-ti zun, ai-min yu shi-jian, cheng-jiu zhu si-di, wo jin gong-jing li.
Da-ci zhun-ti-zun, wo jin wei ben-zun, fu-chi gong-de-hai, wo jin gong-jing li.
Da-li zhun-ti-zun, shan-zai ming-chi-wang, jiang-fu zhu mo-nan, wo jin gong-jing li.
Da-fu zhun-ti-zun, ru-yi wu-deng-deng, zheng-ru you mo-ni, wo jin gong-jing li.

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi -ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 10-43

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
15. Dedication:

May I attain stability, wisdom, and Perfect Enlightenment,

May I attain the opening of the third eye.
With the manifestation of the Pure Land of Maha Cundi,
May all beings arrive at the Buddha’s Path.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 10-44

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 11. Yellow Jambhala Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

Preparation of shrine: In front of the image of Yellow Jambhala, set up a clean tray lined with money and
covered with a mound of rice. Place three lit incense sticks in the mound of rice before the practice.

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 11-45

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

4. Mandala Offering

5. Fourfold Refuge

6. Armor Protection

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

Mudra: Vajra Mudra. (Hold Mudra in front of chest.)

(Vajra Mudra)

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-
er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(Dzam Syllable )
(1) Visualize the smoke given off by three incense sticks (inserted in a tray of rice) rise and transform
into a moon disc. Inside the moon disc is the yellow seed syllable “dzam” emitting great yellow light.

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into Yellow Jambhala. His body is
yellow and he sits in a half-lotus posture. Wearing a gemstone crown and gemstone chains on his
body, Yellow Jambhala’s round face appears prosperous and slightly fierce. His right hand holds a
pear-shaped treasure object and his left hand holds a treasure-spouting mongoose.
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 11-46
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 (3) Next visualize the big toe of Yellow Jambhala’s right extended foot swelling up, causing him great
pain. At this time, chant in one’s heart “Om ah hum, so-ha” 3 times to invoke the Five Buddhas to
appear in the Empty Space above.

(4) Visualize the Five Buddhas emitting a beam of light each to empower Yellow Jambhala. Chant the
Empowerment Mantra “Om hum jum seh ya” 3 times. As a result of the empowerment from the Five
Buddhas, the swelling on his right big toe recedes and disappears. Yellow Jambhala breaks into a
smile and his mongoose opens its mouth to spew out gold onto the rice platter, turning the mound of
rice into a mountain of gold.

(5) At this time, one may visualize the object of one’s desire being spewed out of the mongoose’s mouth.

9. Recite Yellow Jambhala Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”
into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when a
bead is moved, visualize Yellow Jambhala appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Mantra: Om, jum-bah-lah, chan-lan chah-nah-yeh, so-ha. (108 times)

10. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

Allow one’s mind to flow gently into the auspicious smoke of Yellow Jambhala and rise up to the
Empty Space of the northern deva-realm of Jambhala. Rest in a state of bliss and peace.

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:
The Prosperous Deva-king of the north
And Great Dharma Protector of the Buddha Path
Showers us with countless riches and treasures.
All will be fulfilled and prosperous.

Bei-fang tian-wang xian fu-zu

Yi-qie cai-bao jiang wu-shu
Xian-qian yi-qie jie yuan-man
Shi-wei Fo-meng Hu-fa zhu

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 11-47

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

15. Dedication:

May I become a Dharma Protector and rise up to the Northern Heaven,

May I enter into the holy realm with praise and offerings.
Attaining great wealth and eternal abundance,
I in turn bestow dharma treasure to help all beings.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 11-48

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 12. Padmasambhava Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 12-49

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

4. Mandala Offering

5. Fourfold Refuge

6. Armor Protection

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

(Padmasambhava Vajra Mudra)

Cross the hands, with the right hand in front of the left so that they are back to back. Hook the two little
fingers onto each other. Extend the index fingers so they point to the sky at an angle. Press the thumbs
upon the middle and ring fingers of each hand respectively so that they clench (do not form circles).
Hold the mudra at chest level.

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-
er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(Seh Syllable )

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into the
sky. Inside the moon disc is the red seed syllable “seh” emitting great pink light.

The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into Padmasambhava.
Padmasambhava’s body is pink and he wears a jewel crown. Sitting on a lotus moon disc, he holds a
vajra scepter in his right hand, a trident vajra (three pronged staff) in his left elbow curve, and a
nectar-filled skull cup in his left hand.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 12-50

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 (2) Visualize the nectar transform into a brilliant white light that travels in an arc to enter and empower
the practitioner. This nectar eradicates all transgressions, sicknesses, and demonic interferences,
resulting in a state of great self-mastery.

9. Recite Padmasambhava Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”
into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when a
bead is moved, visualize Padmasambhava appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Chant mantra: Om ah hum, be-dza, gu-ru, beh-ma, sih-dee, hum, seh. (108 times)

10. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:

Padmasambhava, Great Lineage Guru, Chief Holder of Light,

You appear whenever called upon.

Instill light into our hearts,

And eternally guard the mind of bodhicitta.

Lian-shi zhong chi da-guang-ming

Sui-qing sui-zhi da-zu-shi
Guang-ming guan-zhu zhong-sheng xin
Pu-ti da-xin heng hi-chi

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi-ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 12-51

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
15. Dedication:

May my great resolve to cultivate

Enable me to attain the realization of Padmasambhava.
By becoming one with him,
I will help all beings arrive at the Buddha Realm.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 12-52

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 13. Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha Personal Deity Yoga
A True Buddha School Practice Text

**Before commencing the practice, first invoke the Root Guru to appear above one’s crown. Visualize the
Root Guru radiating light on one and chant the Guru Heart Mantra 7, 21, or 49 times. Pray to the Root Guru
to empower one so that one’s practice will be auspicious.**

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 13-53

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
Wake Up Call: Clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

1. Recite the Purification Mantras

2. Recite the Invocation Mantra

3. Great Homage using visualization

4. Mandala Offering

5. Fourfold Refuge

6. Armor Protection

7. Recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra (add the Rebirth Mantra 7 times)

8. Visualization of the Empowerment of the Three Lights:

Mudra: Medicine Buddha Five-colored Light Mudra

Place the right hand before the right side of the chest, with the palm facing outward and fingers
together. Bend and press thumb against center of palm. Place the left hand before the left side of the
chest, with the palm facing inward. Press the left thumb upon the nail of the left index finger.

(Hum syllable)

Visualization: First empty the mind. Chant the Emptiness Mantra: Om, Si-ba-wa, Su-da, Sa-er-wa, Da-
er-ma, Si-ba-wa, Su-do-hang. (3 times)

(1) Above an expanse of ocean is a stretch of clear sunny sky. A moon disc rises from the ocean into the
sky. Inside the moon disc is the blue seed syllable “hum,” emitting great blue light.

(2) The seed syllable inside the moon disc revolves and transforms into Medicine Buddha. Medicine
Buddha possesses the 32 perfection marks and looks just like Amitabha. Sitting on a lotus seat, his
body is blue in color. His hands form a Meditation Mudra holding a bowl filled with healing nectar.
Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 13-54
Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 (3) Visualize the heart of Medicine Buddha emit a brilliant blue light. This blue light shines and
empowers one through one’s crown opening. One’s entire body becomes blue, like the color of lapis
lazuli, and transparent. All karmic hindrances and illnesses are eradicated.

(4) The blue light emerging from the heart of Medicine Buddha expands. One’s heart also emits a blue
light. The two lights converge in the space above, and instantly, one is transformed into Medicine
Buddha. The Medicine Buddha in the Empty Space and the Medicine Buddha that one transforms
into are one and the same. There is no difference between the two.

9. Recite Medicine Buddha Heart Mantra

Visualization: Hold mala beads in front of the chest and move each bead with the thumb during
chanting. Visualize the left hand transform into a vajra bell and the right hand into a vajra scepter. The
mother bead or emblem transforms into the Many-Jewels Buddha’s Stupa and the four “divider beads”
into the Four Deva Kings. The tassel transforms into a “lotus hand” while the string threading through
the beads transforms into a circle of inherent white light of Vajrasattva. During mantra chanting, when a
bead is moved, visualize Medicine Buddha appear inside the bead and come to the forefront.

Mantra: Deh-yah-tah, om, beh-ka-dzee-yah, beh-ka-dzee-yah, ma-ha beh-ka-dzee-yah, la-dza-sah-mo-

kyah-doh-heh, so-ha. (108 times)

10. Entering Samadhi

(Nine Cycle Breathing, Entering of the Deity into Oneself, Release of Oneself into the Cosmic
Consciousness, Breath Counting)

11. Emerging from Samadhi

Praise Verse:

Your Twelve Great vows benefit numerous beings,

Your blue light empowers and brings eternal life.
Supremely accomplished Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Buddha,
We shall prostrate at your feet and take refuge.

Shi-er da-yuan rao-yi zhong-sheng jiu-zhu-shi

Fang lan-guang guan-zhu shi-ren yong-de chang-sheng
Zui-shang shu-sheng cheng-jiu yao-shi guang-wang-fo
Yi-yi ben-zun zu-qian gui-yi yu ding-li

12. Chanting the principal heart mantras

13. Intoning the Buddha (3 times)

14. Recite Hundred Syllable Mantra (3 times)

Om, be-dza, sah-do sa-ma-ya, ma-nu bah-la-ya, be-dza sah-do deh-lu-pah-deh-cha, zhe-jo mi-bah-
wa, soo-do ka-yu mi-bah-wa, soo-poo ka-yu mi-bah-wa, an-nu-la-do mi-bah-wa, sa-er-wa, sid-di,
mi-bu-la-ya-cha, sa-er-wa, ka-er-ma, soo-cha-mi, ji-ta-moo, see-li-yam, gu-ru hum, ha-ha-ha-ha-
hoh, bah-ga-wan, sa-er-wa, da-ta-ga-ta, be-dza, ma-mee mun-cha, be-dzi -ba-wa, ma-ha sa-ma-ya,
sah-do-ah, hum, pei.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 13-55

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
15. Dedication:

May Medicine Buddha empower my practice

To eradicate all illnesses
And increase wisdom and fortune.
May I merge with Medicine Buddha
May all beings attain bliss and peace.

May all who uphold the name of Amitabha Buddha

Be born together in the Pure Land of His Western Paradise.
Repaying the Fourfold Generosity from above
And aiding those who suffer in the Three Paths below.
Upon seeing the Buddha
May I be liberated from the cycle of birth and death;
And may I develop the qualities of Buddhahood
And thus free all who suffer.

As a True Buddha practitioner, I dedicate this merit on behalf of everyone, that all may be healthy, free
of hindrances, strong in cultivation, and that all circumstances may become auspicious.

May all supplications be completely fulfilled.

May all hindrances be removed. Wun!

(For a detailed description of dedication, refer to page 165 of A Complete and Detailed Exposition on
the True Buddha Tantric Dharma.)

16. Great Homage using visualization

17. Recite Completion Mantra:

Om, bu lin. (3 times)

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Dismissal: clap twice, cross hands, and snap thumbs and middle fingers.

End of Practice, may all endeavors be auspicious.

Xiu-fa yuan-man, ru-yi ji-xiang

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 13-56

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.
 14. How To Take Refuge in Living Buddha Lian-sheng

There are two ways of taking refuge in Living Buddha Lian-sheng and becoming a
disciple of the True Buddha Lineage

1. By writing
It is often not possible for someone who lives far away to come in person to take
refuge. Those students who desire to take refuge can, on the first or fifteenth of any lunar
month, at 7:00am, while facing the direction of the rising sun, recite three times the Four
fold Refuge Mantra: “Namo guru bei, namo Buddha ye, namo dharma ye, namo sangha
ye” and prostrate three times
On the first or fifteenth of every lunar month, at True Buddha Tantric Quarter, a
True Buddha Master performs a ceremony of “remote initiation empowerment” – to give
empowerment to all the students who could not journey in person.
A student who takes refuge from a distance, after performing the rites at home,
only needs to send a letter to the True Buddha Tantric Quarter stating that he/she is
seeking refuge, together with his/her name, address, age, and small fee for making
offerings to the Buddhas. Upon receiving the letter, True Buddha school will send a
certificate, a picture of Living Buddha Lian-sheng, and a note stating the level of practice
he/she should start with. The address of the True Buddha Tantric Quarter is:

Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple

17012 NE 40th Ct.
Redmond, WA 98052, USA
Tel: (425)885-7573
Fax: (425)883-2173

2. Through a local chapter of the True Buddha School

Contact a local chapter and make arrangement with the local chapter to take refuge in
Living Buddha Lian-sheng.

Transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen, Lu 14-57

Translated by Janny Chow, Luljeta Subasic, and Mimosa.