Chenrezig has been my personal favorite practice since way back when I was living in Le Bost, over ten years ago, hearing it for the first time performed in Tibetan.
The pure essence and all encompassing bare essentials of it are so powerful, and the melodies and harmonies play with my heart strings every time. I have been told that it is one of the only, if not “the only” practice that done exclusively, and done correctly, can help one attain enlightenment all by itself. It is a practice of great power, and being initiated to it once more by Karmapa himself was a true blessing. He used an example of a Super Nova being born, the incredible and completely indescribable amount of light and energy was the only way to come to grips with the compassion that could be created, spreading in all directions, covering all sentient beings in light, love, joy and blessings. An explosion of compassion, an exponential tidal wave of compassion, covering everything beyond what we can imagine, the mind not even capable of even contemplating the amount, description impossible, just utterly expound able beyond any human limits. From an emanation of Chenrezig comes a perfect example of this, even in human terms the compassion for all things in this life can be seen clearly by his actions, his dedication to the dharma unflinching even under the most enduring of moments. One could see the intense concentration in his eyes, all the while a glowing smile on his face, there was such deep devotion to us all on his face, each moment the words and procedure so important so that all would understand, and all could reap the meritorious benefits of our activities with him. Even with a blessing line lasting more than two hours, more than two thousand in attendance, all being seen, and all given personal special attention, the direct proof of his personal tidal wave of compassion is so clear to me. Behind Karmapa is a gorgeous thanka of Chenrezig, gleaming white and gold, cool clear blue and purple, it is magnificent. Seated in front of this thanka, seated in front of us all is Karmapa, a living buddha, glowing in the spotlights, beaming down at us with compassionate eyes, ever humorous and witty in his wonderfully unique and deeply personal way. The initiation of Chenrezig was performed today by its emanation, a direct link to the power and blessing of the practice, the very root of Dharma has taken its rightful place in our hearts. Seated before us is a living buddha, graciously leading the way for us all.
Dhagpo Kagyu Ling
