English
Today we performed a Manjushri Homa. Manjushri is the greatest of all Bodhisattvas. (applause) We usually called him ''Dharma Prince Manjushri.'' In the ''Avatamsaka Trinity'' he occupies the first seat of honor. The so-called ''Avatamsaka Trinity'' is Sakyamuni in the middle, Manjushri Bodhisattva on the right, and Samantabhadra on the left. The ''Dharma Prince ''is namely Manjushri Bodhisattva, who is also is the greatest Bodhisattva of the ''Avatamsaka Trinity.'' The ''Trinity of the Western Paradise'' is Amitabha in the middle, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva on the right and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on the left. Avalokitesvara is the ''Dharma Prince'' of the ''Trinity of the Western Paradise,'' whereas Vajrasattva is the ''Dharma Prince''of Vajrayana.
In the past Manjushri was the teacher of Seven Buddhas, which means the teacher of the Buddhas, so his wisdom and enlightenment is extremely high. In the Mahayana, Manjushri Bodhisattva is the symbol of wisdom. In Hinayana, Sariputra's wisdom is considered to be number one. In the Mahayana, Manjushri is considered to be first in wisdom.
There are many benefits to practicing Manjushri Bodhisattva. The Manjushri practices include ''Red Manjushri,'' ''Yellow Manjushri'' and ''Red and Yellow Manjusri.'' In addition, there is Manjushri Sword Visualization practice.
As I have explained previously, Manjusri's sword is formed like this (Grand Master Lu demonstrates the mudra.) Underneath the vajra scepter is a lotus seat. The radiance on top represents wisdom. When practicing, you should visualize your heart transforming into a lotus, ''Om, ah-la-ba-za-na-di.'' stands vertically atop the lotus. ''Om'' is at the tip of the tongue while ''di'' is atop the lotus at the heart.
To begin, first visualize that the sword of Manjusri is standing in the middle of your heart and the light at the sword point is at the tip of the tongue. While visualizing, turn your tongue clockwise three times, counterclockwise three times, and then recite his mantra ''Om, ah-la-ba-za-na-di''108 times. Your tongue will become very ''sharp,'' which means ''being very eloquent.''
The words you speak can persuade all sentient beings to have faith. (applause) If you want others listen to you, practice the ''Visualization of Manjushri's Sword.'' This is one cultivation method.
Today we pray that Manjushri will bless all the participants,, the registered True Buddha School disciples, and the virtuous audience with his great dharma power so they may receive the light of wisdom. (applause) Once they have wisdom, their disasters and calamities will naturally be eradicated, their good fortune will be increased, their love and respect will be perfectly fulfilled, and their enemies will be turned away. We wholeheartedly pray to the principal deity of the homa, Manjushri, to illuminate and bless us. We pray that you will exercise your great dharma power, bestowing it on sentient beings and guiding beings in the netherworld to rebirth in the pure land. We pray that your wisdom fire will eradicate all the sicknesses of sentient beings and bless everything to be perfect and complete. We pray to Manjushri Bodhisattva that you will bring contentment and fulfillment to all sentient beings. (applause)
Translated by TBTTs (Only those sections of the article which are relevant to Manjushri)
Translator: Cristina Li
Translation Accuracy Editor: DJ Chang
English Proficiency Editor: Henry Wolf
