70. Preparation for Generating Bodhicitta V — Imploring the Turning of the Dharma Wheel

The Beginning

Take refuge and arouse bodhicitta.

The Main Part

In front of the representations of the Three Jewels, imagine that the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gurus and learned masters who have the ability to conduct vast activities of benefiting others are refraining from teaching now. Just as Brahma and Indra in the past made offerings to the Buddha requesting him to teach, you emanate countless bodies of yourself holding white conch shells spiraling to the right, Dharma wheels, jewels, and other precious objects, and make offerings to those realized beings, exhorting them to turn the wheel of the Dharma.  As a result, the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gurus and others grant your request and start expounding the doctrine, showering down a rain of Dharma. Recite verses like those in the Samantabhadra’s Aspiration:

You who are like beacons of light shining through the worlds,

Who passed through the stages of enlightenment, to attain buddhahood, freedom from all attachment,

I exhort you: all of you protectors,

Turn the unsurpassable wheel of Dharma.

Reminder

In the past, a right-turning conch was very hard to come by in many places, including Tibet.  During his trip to India, our Lama Rinpoche (H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche) was greatly delighted when he was offered one and told us that the beings dwelling in such shells were at least Bodhisattvas of the first ground. Therefore, a conch shell that spirals to the right is believed to bring blessings and auspiciousness to wherever it belongs.

Adorning our shrine room with a right-turning conch shell is very meritorious. When some teachers became weary of the mundane world and would rather remain secluded, it is highly recommended to entreat them to teach with a conch offering.  Reluctant teachers may need repeated requests, oftentimes day after day, until they give consent.

The Ending

Conclude by dedicating the merit without concept.