【True Buddha Foundation Dharma Affairs Notification】
TBF-DA Practice Notice #6
Q&A III Concerning Practice of Tara Who Saves from Contagious Diseases

Q1. Regarding six-herb packs, please explain how to measure equal portions of each herb in the six-herb compound.
A.To simplify, Chinese herbs are measured by weight in grams. The epidemic prevention six-herb pack is compounded from six herbs. The portions of each herb in the compound should be equal by weight.
Note: One of the six herbs is Realgar. Because Realgar is toxic, one should exercise caution in handling it. Realgar should not be allowed to ''leak out'' in any way. Sealing the six herbs in a zipped bag prior to wearing them as an aromatic packet on one's body is recommended. An herb pack worn on the body should not come in direct contact with one's skin.

. When using the six-herb packs for boundary protection, should the packs be placed in the four corners inside or four corners outside one's residence?
A. The six-herb packs are to be placed in the four corners inside a residence. The packs contain Realgar, a toxic substance. To avoid the possibility of ingestion, the packs should be placed safely beyond the reach of children.

. On the internet, disciples have been seen deliberately smelling the six-herb pack out of belief that inhaling the aroma is necessary for full protection. Is this true?
A. We have stated over and over again that the herbs should not be ingested in any form because Realgar is mildly toxic and can damage the stomach and intestines. Even inhaling Realgar can damage the lungs. Grandmaster has said that the six-herb packs are only effective if one cultivates the Practice of Tara Who Saves from Contagious Diseases until receiving response from the deity. The purpose of the six-herb packs is to protect one from COVID-19. They are not for inhaling, which can adversely affect one's health. We hope everyone will exercise caution and use the herbs safely.

The aroma of the six-herb pack comes from the Cortex Cinnamomi (桂心, Guixin). Because Realgar has an acrid smell, only relatively small packs should be worn on one's body. As an extra precaution, the six-herbs should be sealed in a zipper bag and may be further taped with Scotch tape. The bag should be tightly sealed to prevent opening and possible accidental ingestion by children. Tight sealing also prevents an excessive aroma from a pack worn on one's body. One should never intentionally smell the herb pack and should prevent it from coming into direct contact with one's skin. One must take appropriate safety precautions when using the herbs as a preventive measure during this period of epidemic.
Note: For six-herb packs to be effective, one must cultivate the Practice of Tara Who Saves from Contagious Diseases until receiving a response from the deity.

. It is said that playing a tape of the Mantra of Tara Who Saves from Contagious Diseases will prevent infection by COVID-19. Is it true that playing the mantra will alter the magnetic field? Does playing a taped mantra prevent infection by COVID-19?
A. In cultivation, the emphasis is on inner practice, and when reciting a mantra, the three secrets must be united in one's mind. Altering the exterior environment is not the key point. There is no mind concentration in the playing of a recorded mantra. Can attainment of deliverance by single-mindedly chanting a buddha name be replaced by the chanting from a mantra player? Playing a taped mantra is merely an aid to learning recitation of the mantra for those unfamiliar with the mantra, not a substitute for one's own recitation. To receive the power of the mantra, practitioners should recite it with single-minded concentration. For this reason, when a mantra is being played, practitioners should recite along with it.

We encourage everyone to frequently recite the Mantra of Tara Who Saves from Contagious Diseases and dedicate the merit to ending the pandemic. May everyone be peaceful, healthy, and auspicious.

TBF cares about you!

Best Regards,
True Buddha Foundation
March 26, 2020