28. The Sufferings of the Pretas
Longchen Nyingtik Meditation 28
The Beginning
Take refuge and arouse bodhichitta.
The Main Part
Meditate on the sufferings of the pretas:
Pretas suffering from external obscurations have very skinny bodies and scrawny limbs. Having not heard even the mention of water for centuries, they are consumed by burning pangs of hunger and thirst, as well as tormented by harm from others and their own mental anguish. They may catch sight of a stream of water and an orchard, but rushing there, they find only a dried up waterbed and withered trees, which even turn into weapons to hurt them.
Pretas suffering from internal obscurations have bellies the size of a whole valley and mouths no bigger than the eye of a needle. They are constantly deprived of food and drink; even if they manage to get a small morsel of something edible, by the time it gets into their stomach, it bursts into flames and scorches their internal organs, while smoke comes from their nostrils.
Each of the pretas suffering from specific obscurations has swarms of tiny pretas living inside it, feeding on its flesh and sucking its blood, causing incredible pain.
Think how much you suffer from hunger when you have not eaten for a day or even just from missing one meal. At present, countless beings, due to their karma ripening, are suffering from the excruciating pains of pretas. Therefore, resolve: In order to deliver them from such miserable state of affairs, and to avoid being born in the preta realm myself, day and night I will not relinquish my diligence in practicing the Dharma.
The Ending
Dedicate all the merit of your practice to all sentient beings.
