Method For Water Charity c5

The Method for Water Charity
Making Freedom and Endowments Meaningful;

Accomplishing Extensive Benefit for Others
Compiled and composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

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Method for Water Charity 3
The Method for Water Charity

Making Freedom and Endowments Meaningful;
Accomplishing Extensive Benefit for Others
Compiled and composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Kyabje Ribur Rinpoche said that if one first makes water oering to
Dzambhala and then uses that water to make water charity to preta
beings, the practice is much more beneficial and powerful.
Water Offering to Dzambhala

On a lotus, moon, and turquoise dragon is White Dzambhala
Holding a khatvanga trident and a club,
Surrounded in the four directions by the four families
of khadromas,
Oering a stream of water to the holy body, granting realizations.
While oering the stream of water, snap the fingers of your left
hand.
OM PADMA KRODHA ARYA DZAMBHALA HRIDAYA

HUM PHAT (as many times as possible)
Recite as many times as possible while oering to White

Dzambhala.
4 Method for Water Charity
On a lotus, moon, and DZAM syllable is Yellow Dzambhala,

Holding the peach of immortality and a mongoose.
By oering the cleanser, the pain is pacified;
Satisfied with bliss, he grants realizations.
OM DZAMBHALA DZALANDRAYE SVAHA

(as many times as possible)
Recite as many times as possible and oer to Yellow Dzambhala

the stream of water and so on, as before.
Lord of wealth endowed with treasure,

Foremost yaksha of all those with huge wealth,
To Dzambhala, the Savior protecting the North
Acting to grant the supreme realization: I prostrate.
Tormented by the fire of miserly actions,

From life to life, I go for refuge in you.
With the stream of a rainfall of nectar of jewel treasure,
May the suering of poverty of sentient beings be pacified.
Mantra name of Black Dzambhala

OM DZALUM SVAHA
OM INDHA YANI MUKHAM BHRAMARI SVAHA
Pour the oering water in the center and in the four directions.
At the end, taste some of it.
DZAMBHALA SIDDHI PA LA HO
The Extensive Praise

Precious magnificent holy body of the Lord of Wealth, born from
the tear of the Lord of the World, Powerful Chenrezig, beautiful like
a snow mountain, you act to pacify all the suering of poverty of
all sentient beings, with one face, two arms, and three eyes, with
aection for sentient beings as a parent for an only child, you watch
over the ten directions. To you who are like the medicinal wish-
granting tree, with devotion I prostrate and go for refuge. You hold
in your right hand the khatvanga trident severing the sprout of the
seed of the evil-gone, the three poisons, and the others. In your left
hand, you hold a club subduing all the lords of wealth, destroying
the suering of hunger, thirst, and sickness. The beautiful standing
white/yellow hair, completely beautified by the wide ornament of
a jeweled tiara, great Lord of Wealth riding a dragon, please pacify
the torment of poverty of myself and all sentient beings. With a
beautiful exalted body, white like a snow mountain, one face, two
arms, mounting a dragon, emanation of the compassion of Pow-
erful Chenrezig, deity granting a rainfall of everything desirable,
with humility and devotion for you, until I reach the essence of en-
lightenment, grant me the siddhi of huge fortune free from wrong
livelihood.
This is known as a praise of great blessings, composed by Jowo

Je Atisha.
Short Praise
With the rainbow of your refined white crystal aggregates, pow-
erful yaksha excellently wrapped in the nine-fold dancing moods,
you let down a rainfall of realizations of everything desirable. I
prostrate to the glorious Dzambhala.
Once you have given the water to Dzambhala, these are the
benefits of oering water to preta beings.
Benefits of Offering Water to Preta Beings

It is more beneficial to oer once to a preta being then making
charity to the sentient beings of the three thousand universes.
Moreover, it is more beneficial to do a single act of charity to one
preta being with fire-in-the-mouth obstacles. Even more benefi-
cial than this is to give a single drop of water to a preta being with
swallowing obstacles. These preta beings with swallowing obsta-
cles, due to the karma of having interfered with the charity made
by others in the past, their necks are occluded by three knots, and
they are incapable of swallowing even a drop of water. Due to
the huge torments of hunger and thirst, their stomachs emit fire.
Among preta beings, they are those who suer most. If one recites
this dharani mantra of great blessings and sprinkles a single drop
of water outside the torma container, the knots of the throat of
these preta beings will loosen for one moment, and that drop of
water will enter their stomach, satisfying them with bliss. These
are the great benefits that are taught.
Water Charity to Preta Beings

Clearly visualize yourself as Chenrezig. In the center of the right
hand, on a moon disk is a white HRIH emanating rays of light.
From these flows a stream of nectar that satisfies all preta beings.
While holding the vase of water in the right hand, with the ges-
ture of generosity, pour a stream of water in the torma container
and recite:
Due to the flow of the light coming from

The hand of Mighty Arya Chenrezig,
May the preta beings be satisfied, cleansed, and always
reinvigorated.
With the right hand extended over the right knee in the gesture
of supreme charity, sprinkle the water for charity holding it with
respect and with the mouth covered, while snapping the ring
finger of the left hand at the level of the left breast:
OM AH HRIH HUM (7x or 21x)
Make charity to the preta beings in general, reciting seven or

twenty-one times.
OM MANI PDME HUM (7x or 21x)
Recite seven or twenty-one times for the pretas with the mouth
on fire.
OM DZALA MIDAM SARVA PRETA BYA SVAHA
Do these three actions at the same time: recite the above, snap
your finger, and sprinkle a single drop of water outside the con-
tainer, for as many times as you wish to make charity of water
to each of the pretas with swallowing obstacles.
The Dharani of Swallowing Obstacles (Jur Geg She

Jama Zung)
I prostrate to all buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Such are the results of obstructing others in giving, a downfall

greater than miserliness. The superior Sharipu and the superior
Mongalpu were both at the border, engaging the mind with the
wisdom of individual analysis. During the day, while they were
resting, a female preta being came around; her body was dry and
greenish, emitting sounds like khog khog. Her hair was tangled.
Her red eyes jolted to the left, and her long lower lip twisted to
the right. Her waist and limbs were disjointed and emaciated. Her
hands were closed into a fist; her nails had grown up to perforate
the hand and were visibly protruding. She was uttering five dier-
ent sentences: Need it. Dont have it. Dont give it. Even if
given, it is not that big, bigger will come later. That is too much;
give less. These five she was uttering.
Having come into contact with this disturbance, the two of them
thought that since the monks are close to the city locality, wishing
to eat, one could go to town to get food. With this, they stood up
and went about to find a lot of food and drinks, such as the three
whites and three sweets, rice, barley, and more, and they brought
it all to the preta being. When the preta being saw this, without
taking anything and while muttering the five sentences, she fled.
Because of this, both of them became distraught, and without any

further thoughts except a strong concern for this female preta be-
ing, they immediately went into the presence of the Bhagavan,
who was dwelling in the Bamboo Grove.
They bowed to his feet, and because they were shattered due to
recent events, they did not utter any query.
The Bhagavan spoke: Sons of good family, what has befallen you?
If you have a question, spell it out. So he said.
Bhagavan, we are very distraught. So great is the anguish, it makes

us cataleptic.
The Bhagavan asked: Why?
This is how it happened. Both of us were at the border, engag-

ing the mind in the individual investigation taught by the Bhaga-
van. After quite some time, we were disturbed by this: one female
preta being was there. Her body was dry and greenish, emitting the
sound khog khog. Her hair was tangled up. Her red eyes jolted to
the left, and she had a long lower lip that twisted to the right. Her
waist and limbs were very disjointed and emaciated. Her nails had
grown up and perforated her hand; they were visibly protruding.
She was uttering five dierent sentences: Need it. Dont have it.
Dont give it. Even if given, it is not that big, bigger will come later.
That is too much; give less. These five she was uttering.
Having come into contact with this kind of disturbance, we

thought that since the monks are near town, wishing to eat, one
could go to town. We stood up and went about to find a lot of food
and drinks, such as the three whites and three sweets, rice, barley,
and more, and we brought it all to the preta being. When the preta
being saw this, without taking anything and while muttering the
five sentences, she fled. How did such a thing happen? Is there any
means that can cure this? What can be done?
The Bhagavan said: Sons of good family, that is excellent! Listen

well to what I will say, and keep it in mind. How did all that come
about? The greenish and dry body comes from not being willing
to share ones food; the thin neck comes from being stingy when
others eat and enjoy food; the emaciated limbs and the overgrown
nails perforating her hands comes from, when making charity to
others, having said It is too much to give it all, and also being
hesitant to share enjoyments. The tangled hair comes from always
acting vilely. The red eyes come from a great abundance of desire.
Eyes jolting to the left come from looking at others with bad eyes.
The long lips twisted to the right come from giving, yet for a bigger
personal profit. The five sentences coming out of the mouth is the
action similar to the performed causal action, the ripening of the
imprints of having uttered those words in the past. Due to these
kinds of actions, even if something is given, it cannot bring any
benefits, because, except for water, one does not have the capac-
ity to give. In order for others not to have obstacles to swallow the
water, even now, on clean water without any flour dust, recite the
mantra once and oer while snapping the finger once. That one
will be freed from that continuum and his wishes will be satisfied.
It is this:
OM DZALA MIDAM SARVA PRETA BAYA SVAHA
They said: Please explain the meaning of those seed syllables.
OM being in the nature of the five transcendent wisdom is the

ultimate. DZALA desire blazing like fire. MIDAM the continuum of
miserliness and swallowing obstacles. SARVA all arising from ac-
tions, such as this action. PRETA has the meaning of essence of
preta being, the ripening of karmic seeds. BAYA has the meaning
of the cleansing of actions and suerings. SVAHA means May the
karma and suering of hunger and thirst be purified. Now, quickly
go and do this.
So after this was said, both quickly left. They did as they were
told, and now delighted, she enjoyed it and her body was invigo-
rated. After that, alternately, they taught Dharma to her. Shar-
iputra went to seek alms. Having requested alms, he gave water
(to the preta female) but once again, as before, she uttered those
sentences and fled.
Again both of them were distraught and went to the Bhagavan.

Bhagavan, we did what you told us. Then, we were wondering if
she is a subject to whom we may teach the Dharma, but as before,
she fled, uttering those words. Again, we came here.
The Bhagavan said: That is because some flour remains under

your nails. Wash your hands and then make charity; you dont
need to be in front of her. Shell be able to receive it. Thus he said.
They both washed and made water charity. The preta being came
again, and her complexion improved a little.
Then, the Bhagavan spoke again: This kind of water charity should
be done not just now, but always, and should also be vastly trans-
mitted to others. Why? The benefits of doing this are infinite, be-
yond measure. To mention a little: The merits of making charity
to all the wealthy people in the universe are not even close to
one percent to the merits of making charity to some poor people.
Why? Because wealthy people are proud, and due to arrogance
and conceit, they take delight in the unwholesome. The merits of
making charity to all the poor people in the universe are not even
close to one percent of the merits making charity to some preta
beings. Why? Because poor people can make eort, look for and
collect. One cant do this with the karma of a preta being. If (food)
is not dedicated, even if it is put in the mouth, it becomes poison.
The merits of making charity to the all the preta beings in the
universes are not even close to one percent of making water char-
ity to one preta being with swallowing obstacles. Why? In karmic
order, preta beings can find satisfaction by way of objects of obser-
vation, arrangements, dedication, contact, following, and rinsing.
The preta beings with swallowing obstacles, due to having made
obstructions to others, cant receive charity with other mantras,
mudras, and visualizations. Due to grasping to all substances, they
have prevented (others from getting them), and therefore cannot
consume other substances. Since water is the only thing they have
not prevented (others from getting), except for water that is un-
touched by any flour particles, they have no capacity (to consume
other things). Nothing else helps but the mantra pacifying their
continuum and the mudra of snapping the finger once. Why only
one snap of fingers? The dierent sound of snapping the finger
twice (is heard) by others. Thus, they cant get it, because they
definitely understand only the sound of one (finger snap).
By doing this, one will not face obstacles, have few diseases and
long life, with prosperities, will be able to distinguish crooked
written words, and will have a radiant and bright complexion. By

spreading this (ritual) to others, one will free the continuum sever-
ing the preta being predicament, and will eventually achieve the
complete enlightenment.
After (the Bhagavan) spoke these words, that son of good family
highly praised the discourse of the Bhagavan.
This completes the dharani called Swallowing Obstacles.
Then, myself clarified as the Great Compassionate One, in the palm

of my right hand a syllable HRIH transforms in to Arya Transcen-
dental Wisdom Shooting Star (Yeshe Kardha) with a green/blue
exalted body, with the right hand in the mudra of supreme giving.
Think that nectar dripping from the palm of the hand and from all
the body parts gives satisfaction to sentient beings, in particular
those aicted migratory beings in the bardo.
May the flowing nectar from the palm of the hand of Chenrezig,
and from the two hands equipoised and in the supreme giving of
the very red Yeshe Karda, satisfy the migratory beings.
Recite this; snap the finger while sprinkling water as before.
OM GYANA AVALOKITE SAMANTHA PHARANA RAMI BHAVA

SAMAYA MAHA MANI DURU DURU HRIH DAYA TSOLANI
SVAHA (7x)
Due to giving this water oering to all migratory beings in the bar-
do existence, may they be free from the torments of fear and be
reborn in the pure land.
This passage is found in the text of Hundred Torma.
Reciting the mantra for seven times is enough to bless the wa-
ter. Then, pour this water in a river, in a swimming pool, or in the
ocean. Imagine that to all the preta beings that are perceived by
the buddhas, this body of water appears as nectar. By tasting it,
they are liberated from the great ocean of the suering of sam-
sara and achieve the state of Arya Chenrezig.
From the Kangyur (the collection of Buddhas teachings):
In the proximity of running water or the ocean, with the right hand
bent, on the pouring recite the mantra essence of Yeshe Karda
seven times, then toss the water. All the preta beings who are per-
ceived by the eyes of the buddhas will experience the flavor of the
food and of the supreme drink of devas. Also, each preta being
will be satisfied as they would with forty-nine measures of food
and drink of Magadha country. By just drinking this water, they
are all liberated from the preta realm and reborn in the places of
human and devas. Whether a man or a woman, a boy or a girl, or
some other, such as those born as beasts of burden, including wild
animals, birds, those who are dwelling in water, and so forth, by
drinking this water, they all purify negativities and obscurations
and will take the direction of happy migrations. This concludes the
essence of Yeshe Karda.
Once you have completed the giving of water to the bardo be-
ings, along with prayers, meditate that oneself becomes Victorious
Mitrugpa with one face and two arms, the right hand in the mudra
of supreme giving. From all the parts of his exalted body and par-
ticularly from the palm of his right hand, a stream of nectar flows.
Think that the nectar satisfies all six types of beings, in particular
the nagas.
Again, they become Bhagavan Dorje Mitrugpa. Due to giving the wa-
ter flowing from the fingers, may poor migratory beings find respite.
As before, while reciting, snap the fingers and pour water.
NAMO RATNA TRAYAYA OM KAMKANI KAMKANI ROCHANI

ROCHANI TROTANI TROTANI TRASANI TRASANI PRATIHANA
PRATIHANA SARVA KARMA PARAM PARA NI ME SARVA
SATTVA NANCHA SVAHA (7x)
Think to benefit the nagas.
With these prayers one should make water charity to the naga.
Making Water Charity to the Naga and So Forth

in Dependence upon the King of the Nagas
TADYATHA OM TATHAGATO BHAGAVAN NAGARHADSE
SHORA ADHITRANA ADHIHTRITE SVAHA (21x)
It is said that by reciting the mantra name of the King of Nagas twen-
ty-one times, one purifies the karma that is certain to experience for
100,000 lives and cures leprosy and the others. Think that brings the
benefit of curing cancer and other diseases, stopping future occur-
rences, and healing those at the present.
Moreover, in dependence upon this water charity, may the minds

of the naga kings Nanda, Upananda and the others, the lord of the
river Becoming, the land lords abiding forever, and all sentient beings
be adorned with pure generosity, having become adorned with pure
generosity, may they quickly achieve the supreme meaning, the pure
necessity of a yogi, the complete manifest enlightenment.
The Benefits of Making Food Charity

to Preta Beings
The Torma Ritual Giving Respite to the Female Preta

Being with a Flaming Mouth
I prostrate to the Three Rare and Supreme.
The Bhagavan was dwelling in the pleasure grove of Kapilavastu

country together with a great Sangha of fully ordained monks, a
great congregation of bodhisattvas, and a great congregation of
sentient beings, giving teachings.
Then, Ananda was alone, interiorly perfectly settled with his

mental attention single-pointed. During the last part of the night,
while he was realizing directly the Dharma, a female preta being
with a flaming mouth appeared in front of him and said: Ananda,
you will die the day after tomorrow and will take birth in this
place of preta beings.
Ananda said: Is there something I can do?
The female preta said: In case tomorrow morning you give food
and drink in the quantity of forty-nine measures of Magadha
country to each and every preta being, as many as the number
of sand grains of hundred thousand billion Ganga Rivers, and also
to satisfy 100,000 Brahmin sages, you make oering to the Three
Rare and Supreme, in this way also your life will change. Myself as
well, dying, passing away from preta existence, will be reborn in
the high states of existence.
Then Ananda seeing this female preta with a flaming mouth,

emaciated, with bad complexion, fragile body, passing flames from
her mouth, with withered mouth and stomach, with a swinging

mass of braided hair, with long and visible nails and body hair, and
hearing these unpleasant and ugly sentences became so scared,
his body hair standing on end. He hurriedly stood up from his seat
and with great strength of speed went to the place where the
Bhagavan was. Upon reaching that place, he prostrated to the feet
of the Bhagavan and while trembling said: Bhagavan, please help
me! Tathagatha, please help me! The day after tomorrow, my life
will end! Bhagavan, I saw the female preta being with a flaming
mouth. She told me that I will die the day after tomorrow. When I
asked what could be done, she said that if I satisfy as many preta
beings equaling the number of sand grains of one hundred thou-
sand billion Ganga Rivers, and also satisfy 100,000 Brahmin sages,
in this way also my life predicament will change. Bhagavan, please
tell me how can I possibly do that?
Then the Bhagavan Tathagata Shakyamuni said to the righteous

Ananda: Ananda, do not be afraid! I have a method for you to
satisfy the preta beings and the Brahmin sages. Ananda, there
is a dharani called Always Possessing the Great Vast Strength En-
dowed with Light. Just giving with that will satisfy preta beings
as many as the number of sand grains of one hundred thousand
billion Ganga Rivers, and each preta being and Brahmin sage will
receive food and drinks of the quantity of forty-nine measures of
Magadha country. In the past, when I was a Brahmin, I got it from
the light of Bodhisatt va Mahasatt va Lord of Existence and the Ta-
thaghata Lord of Existence. With that, I satisfied a great number
of preta beings and Brahmins with a great quantity of food and
drinks, and with this, all of those preta beings passed away to be
reborn in the deva realm. Ananda, behold this dharani:
NAMA SARVA TATHAGATA AVALOKITE OM SAMBHARA

SAMBHARA HUM
Ananda, you should recite this seven times on a torma for preta
beings and, extending your hand, give it in front, while also snap-
ping your fingers. In this way, as soon as it is given, it will satisfy the
preta beings of the four directions as many as the number of sand
grains of one hundred thousand billion Ganga Rivers. Also, each
preta being will gain the quantity of forty-nine measures of Magad-
ha country. Moreover, all of them, just by eating it, will pass away
from the preta being world and will take birth among the devas.
Ananda, you should always, without interruption, explain this to

the fully ordained monks and fully ordained nuns, and to the upa-
saka men and women and their followers. In this way, one will pos-
sess a great mass of merits and also long life. One will be endowed
with the merits of one hundred thousand billion tathagatas. One
will be always invisible to non-human being movements, jungpo
spirits, cannibals, vampires, and the others, and harm-givers, gob-
lins, demons, and pretas. One will also be endowed with capacity
and enthusiasm, with good complexion, with luster and memory.
If one wishes to satisfy the Brahmin sages, recite this seven times
on the container filled with whatever you are oering, and oer it
in a place where there is water flowing. In this way, one will satisfy
with devas food and drinks Brahmin sages equal to the number of
sand grains of several hundred thousand billion Ganga Rivers. Also,
because of having satiated the senses of those Brahmin sages, they
all will utter the words OM, Let it be perfect happiness! Also, those
sentient beings will complete pure intent, endowed with the luster
of a Brahmin, always in celibacy, also possessing the roots of vir-
tue of the Tathagata equal to the number of sand grains of several
hundred thousand billion Ganga Rivers. Always all the enemies will
be pacified.
Recite twenty-one times the mantra on articles such as flowers,

incense, perfume, food, or drink and oer to Buddha, Dharma, and
Sangha. In this way, by doing this, whether a son or a daughter of

good family, fully-ordained monks and nuns, upasaka male or fe-
male, this becomes the supreme divine oering for the Buddha,
Dharma, and Sangha of the pure lands in the ten directions. It is
the unsurpassed service. One will receive the prophecy for all the
tathagatas and will be always protected by all the deities. Ananda,
go and get familiar with this, and also teach it well to all sentient be-
ings. May it also be all the collections of root of virtues! Thus I state.
This concludes the Torma Ritual Giving Respite to the Female Preta
Being with the Flaming Mouth.
The Dharani Protecting the Preta Beings with Fire

Blazing Out of Their Mouths
In that moment, the Bhagavan was at the place of the Sangha of
Kapilavastu country, surrounded by a Sangha of fully ordained
monks and numberless bodhisattvas, giving teachings. At that
time, in the vicinity, the righteous Ananda was placing his mind-
fulness, directing his mind attention on the Dharma. In the later
part of that evening, a frightful looking preta being came in front
of Ananda, with fire blazing out of his mouth and an ugly complex-
ion. He was very emaciated and thin, and had fire coming out of
his mouth. His neck was thin as a needle, his hair tangled, and he
had long, sharp nails, and eyebrows. He said, Your life will end in
seven days, and you will be reborn in the realm of preta beings.
So he said.
When Ananda heard these words, he became very terrified and

said: Is there anything I can do to free myself completely from the
suering of having to be reborn in the preta realm after seven days
when this life finishes?
Then the preta being said to Ananda: Tomorrow morning, if you

make torma oering to preta beings equal to the number of grains
of sand of one hundred thousand million ten million Ganga Rivers,
oer to 100,000 sages a complete measure of vegetables from the
Central Land and make oerings to the Three Rare and Supreme for
their sake, you will have long life and will be free from the suering
of preta beings. You will take birth as deva in the fortunate states.
In that moment, Ananda looking at the preta being with fire com-
ing out of his mouth, with an ugly complexion, very emaciated and
thin, his neck as thin as a needle, his hair tangled, his long, sharp
nails and eyebrows, and also hearing the ugly, undesirable words
was taken by great shock and fear. He stood up and quickly ran
to the side to the Bhagavan. Having arrived in the presence of the
Bhagavan, bowing and prostrating, he touched the feet of the
Bhagavan with his head. His body shaking, he made this request to
the Bhagavan: Please save me from the torment of this suering.
I was meditating in the outskirts, directing my mind attention to
the Dharma, and a preta being with his mouth ablaze told me that
in seven days my life will end and I will be born in the preta beings
realm. I asked the preta being if there was anything I could do to
completely free myself from the suering of preta being, and he
told me that if I make a torma oering to preta beings equal to the
number of the grains of sand of one hundred thousand million ten
million Ganga Rivers, and oer excellent food to 100,000 Brahmin
sages and so forth, I will have a long life. Bhagavan, how will I be
able to prepare this food oering for so many preta beings and
Brahmin sages?
Then the Bhagavan said to Ananda: Do not be afraid! I have a

method for you to be able to prepare so many tormas and food of-
ferings for preta beings equal to the number of the grains of sand
of one hundred thousand million ten million Ganga Rivers, many
Brahmin sages, and so forth. Do not be depressed!
Then the Bhagavan said: I have a dharani mantra called the Victo-
rious Strength Overpowering Light with Limitless Luster. Whoever
recites this dharani makes the pure oering to preta beings equal
to the number of the grains of sand of one hundred thousand mil-
lion ten million Ganga Rivers, many Brahmin sages, and so forth.
Even if a single small quantity is oered, each of them will receive
the amount of forty-nine measures of food of the central country.
Ananda, when I was a Brahmin, I also received this dharani from
the Bodhisattva Powerful Chenrezig and the Tathagata Overpow-
ering Qualities. Due to the power of this, I was able to make char-
ity of torma and food oering to limitless preta beings and many
Brahmin sages. Also, those reborn in the preta being realm were
freed from their suerings and took birth as devas in the higher
realms. Ananda, you should recite this. You will increase your mer-
its and also your life span.
In that moment, the Bhagavan granted this dharani mantra to

Ananda:
NAMA SARVA TATHAGATA AVALOKITE OM SAMBHARA

SAMBHARA HUM
The Bhagavan said this to Ananda: If a son or daughter of the lin-

eage wishes for long life and a great increase of merits, they should
quickly bring to completion the perfection of generosity. If they
practice always in the morning and evenings, or even doing it all
the time, they will be without obstacles.
In a clean container pour clean water and add a little boiled grain,
flour, or pastry, and with the right hand above the container, re-
cite this dharani seven times. Then recite the names of the Four
Tathagatas:
DE ZHIN SHEG PA RIN CHEEN MANG LA CHHAG TSHL LO

To the Tathagata, Bhagavan Very Precious, I prostrate.
Due to the blessings of reciting the name of Tathagata Bhagavan

Very Precious, may all the preta beings be victorious over the non-
virtues of miserliness accumulated over many lives. May they com-
plete the accumulation of merits.
DE ZHIN SHEG PA SUG DZE DAM PA LA CHHAG TSHL LO

To the Tathagata Beau ful Excellent Form, I prostrate.
Due to the blessing of reciting the name of the Tathagata Beauti-

ful Excellent Form, may the many preta beings be free from ugly
aspects and come to posses a perfect combination of attractive
form and name.
DE ZHIN SHEG PA KU CHAM LE LA CHHAG TSHL LO

To the Tathagata Infinite Body Supreme, I prostrate.
Due to the blessing of reciting the name of the Tathagata Infinite

Body Supreme, may the many preta beings be free from thirst and
be satiated. May what is given may be sucient, and may they be
satisfied with wish-fulfillling food.
DE ZHIN SHEG PA GIG PA TAN CHE DAN DRL U LA CHHAG TSHL LO

To the Tathagata Free from All Fears, I prostrate.
Due to the blessing of reciting the name of the Tathagata Free from
All Fears, may the many preta beings be free from all the fears, and
may the preta being realm be pacified.
The Bhagavan said to Ananda: Son of good family and the others,
after the blessing of reciting the names of the Tathagata, snap the
finger three times, extend your hand to hold the torma container,
and put it in a clean place. By making torma charity in this way, the
preta beings from the four directions equal to the number of the
grains of sand of one hundred thousand million ten million Ganga
Rivers, each of them will receive food in the amount of seven mea-
sures of quantity of the central country. This food will be sucient
and satisfying, they will abandon the realm of preta beings and
be born as devas of the higher realm. Ananda, if a fully ordained
monk or nun, upasaka or upasika, always recites this dharani over
the food and makes charity to the preta beings, that one will gain
complete infinite merits, exactly the same merits of having made
oerings to buddhas equal to the number of the grains of sand of
one hundred thousand million ten million Ganga Rivers; will gain
increase of long life, merits, radiance, and strength; and will bring
to completion the roots of virtue. All the non-humans, harm-
givers, demons, and unruly preta beings will not be able to inflict
harm, and that one will be endowed with infinite luster.
If someone wishes to make charity to Brahmin sages, one should

fill a container with perfect food, recite the dharani mantra seven
times, and toss it into clean running water. In this way, it becomes
supreme pure food made with divine ingredients. Also the Brah-
min sages, having received the food blessed by the mantra, due
to the evolution of their former roots of merits that they individu-
ally have taken delight, they receive long life, brilliance, and power
in accordance to each individually and at the same time, so they
make prayers saying: May he enjoy happiness and well-being!
Moreover, that person will see the intention of the mind with per-
fect pure listening, and will be one of pure intellect endowed with
the highest behavior of celibacy. Furthermore, it is equal to the
merits of making oerings to as many buddhas as the sand grains
of one billion one hundred thousand Ganga Rivers. One cannot be
harmed by others arguments.
If a monk, nun, upasika, or upasaka wishes to make oerings to

Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, that person should recite this dha-
rani mantra twenty-one times on the incense, flower, or pure food,

and then oer to the Three Rare and Supreme. Then, the substanc-
es oered by that son or daughter of good family becomes divine
food oered to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and they will come
to possess the merits of praising, requesting, and rejoicing. They
will always be praised and cared for by the Buddha Baghavan. They
will be protected by many deities, and will also bring to completion
the perfection of generosity. Ananda, take to heart this Dharma
and teach it extensively so sentinet beings will see it and realize it.
You will acquire infinite merits.
This concludes the Dharani Protecting the Preta Beings with Fire
Blazing Out of Their Mouths.
Dedication
These are some important prayers that one should definitely
always recite, especially for the practice of the power of white
seed and the power of intention included in the five powers of
the combined lifetime practice:
Due to the roots of virtue accumulated in the three times by myself

and all sentient beings and those accumulated now with water char-
ity, may the precious mind of enlightenment develop in the minds
of the six types of migratory beings, especially for the migratory be-
ings of this world, for the masters, centers sponsors, workers, and
volunteers in the FPMT, especially in those who have their trust in
me, who have committed because of me, who are associated to my
name, and especially in our mental continuum, be developed with-
out delay of a single instant, and that which is already produced in
others continuum, may it increase without degenerating.
JANG CHHUB SEM CHHOG RIN PO CHHE

May the supreme jewel bodhichi a
MA KYE PA NAM KYE GYUR CHIG
That has not arisen, arise and grow;
KYE PA NYAM PA ME PA YI
And may that which has arisen not diminish
GONG N GONG DU PHEL WAR SHOG
But increase more and more.
Long Life Prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama

GANG RI RA WI KHOR W ZHING KHAM DIR
In the land encircled by snow mountains
PHN DANG DE WA MA L JUNG WI N
You are the source of all happiness and good;
CHN R ZIG WANG TN DZIN GYA TSHO YI
All-powerful Chenrezig, Tenzin Gyatso,
ZHAB P SI THI BAR DU TN GYUR CHIG
Please remain un l samsara ends.
The great leader of peace and happiness of all migratory beings,

the one who is the highest unparalleled, the sole refuge for us mi-
gratory beings, the holder and increaser of the vehicle of individual
liberation, perfection vehicle, and secret mantra vajra vehicle, the
source of happiness and joy in the lives of us all migratory beings,
the embodiment of all the victorious ones of the ten directions:
may the life of Supreme Arya Chenrezig be stable until the end of
existence. May the wishes of his holy mind be spontaneously ful-
filled.
May the Chinese bureaucrats, who are making obstacles for the
freedom of Tibet and the spreading of the Buddhas teachings, re-
alize that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is actually Arya Chenrezig,
developing irreversible faith. May they give freedom to the people
of China, also within China. As well, may the precious teachings

of Buddha and in particular the immaculate whispered lineage
of Manjushri the Savior pervade the ten directions and increase.
May the Tibetan people gain full autonomy, and in Tibet, may the
teachings of Buddha spread even more then before, that so many
buddhas and bodhisattvas, many more than before, may come,
and because of that may the immaculate teachings of Buddha per-
vade the ten directions on this planet, expand, and remain for a
long time.
In particular, may the mind of enlightenment be generated in the

mind of all, so that the migratory beings living in this world may
quickly achieve the state of great enlightenment.
Prayer that Spontaneously Fulfills All Wishes

TONG NYI NYING JE ZUNG DU JUG PAI LAM
Savior of the Snow Land Teachings and transmigratory
beings,
CHE CHER SL DZ GANG CHN TN DRI GN
Who extensively clarifies the path that unifies emp ness and
compassion,
CHAG NA P MO TN DZIN GYA TSO LA
To the Lotus in the Hand, Lord Tenzin Gyatso, I beseech
SOL WA DEB SO ZHE DN LHN DRUB SHOG
May all your holy wishes be fulfilled!
Prayer for Tibet

DOR N GN PO CHN RE ZIG WANG GI
In short, may the good fruit of any extensive prayer to
SE CHE GYL WI CHEN NGAR GANG CHEN SHING
Fully protect the Land of Snows, made by the Powerful
Protector Chenrezig
YONG ZUNG GYA CHEN MON LAM GANG DZE PI

In the presence of the buddhas and their children,
DRE ZANG DENG DIR NYUR DU CHAR BAR SOL
Appear soon here and now.
Prayer to Be Able to Correctly Devote to His Holiness

the Dalai Lama and Fulfill All the Advice
CHAG NA P M JIN LAM DU TSI GYN
May the nectar-stream of the blessings of the Lotus Holder
DAG SOG NYING GI ZUNG SU TAG MIN CHING
Always enter our hearts and nourish them with strength.
K A ZHIN DRUB P CHH P RAB NYEN N
May we please you with oerings of dedicated prac ce,
KUN ZANG CHH GYA TSHO THAR SN SHOG
And may we reach beyond the shores of perfect
compassionate deeds.
These are dedicating prayers that should be done by those who

are working in the FPMT centers and also by the students.
For the sentient beings of this world in general, and in particular for
those who are working and studying in the FPMT centers: may the
mind of definite emergence, the precious mind of enlightenment of
caring for others more then oneself, and the profound view of the
middle way be quickly generated in their minds. Due to this, may
they act only with the behavior of non-violence and benefitting
sentient beings. May they never be born in the evil-gone realms,
and having generated in their minds the realizations of the common
path and of the particular secret mantra vajra vehicle, may they
quickly achieve the state of Buddha.
Moreover, for all the students who are studying the scriptures of
the words (Kangyur) of our extremely kind teacher (Buddha Shakya-
muni) and the great treatises in the Tengyur, the vast commentar-
ies of Nagarjuna, Asanga, and the others, by incorporating in these
studies the gradual steps of the path to enlightenment with listen-
ing, reflecting, and meditating, may they quickly achieve the state
of Buddha.
Prayer for Lama Tsongkhapa to be the Direct

Mahayana Guru
TSE RAB KN TU GYL WA TSONG KHA P
In all my lives, through the victorious one, Lama Tsongkhapa,
THEG CHHOG SHE NYEN NG SU DZ PI TH
Ac ng in person as the Mahayana Guru,
GYL W NGAG PI LAM ZANG DE NYI L
May I never turn aside for even an instant
K CHIG TSAM YANG DOG PAR MA GYUR CHIG
From the excellent path praised by the victorious ones.
May all the intended projects of the centers be of extensive ben-

efit for the teachings and sentient beings, and be eortlessly com-
pleted without obstacles.
Especially in this center, may the monks and nuns posses outwardly
the pacified and subdued behavior of the hearers, internally be well
trained in the mind of enlightenment, and secretly practicing the
yoga of bliss and emptiness of the two stages, may they manifest
the complete teachings of Victorious Losang.
May all the undertakings of the centers projects to build great

representations of the exalted body, speech, and mind as means
to bring happiness and joy to sentient beings be easily completed
without obstacles.
In dependence upon erecting representations of exalted body,

speech, and mind, may an infinite number of sentient beings ac-
cumulate extensive merits and accomplish great purification of

negativities by doing circumambulations, making oerings and
prostrations, and in dependence upon this, may an infinite num-
ber of sentient beings develop in their minds the special precious
mind of enlightenment of cherishing others more then oneself,
thus abandoning harming sentient beings and producing space-
like vast benefit. On this planet, may there always be peace and
perfect happiness, and may sentient beings quickly achieve the
state of Buddha.
May all the conducive conditions for the project of constantly pro-
viding food, money, and so forth to the Sangha who are the holders
of the teachings of Buddha be achieved without interferences.
For the projects of Universal Education:
In general for this world, particularly in those countries that are

overwhelmed with conflicts, may they enjoy the abundance of
peace and happiness with good heart. May all sentient beings aban-
don violence and produce benefit, bringing to an end all suerings
and establishing happiness and joy, like a wish-fulfilling jewel.
Also for the projects of Loving Kindness Peaceful Youth project

(LKPY), may it be as dedicated before.
May the inmates of prison be like in retreat and be able to have a

vast accumulation of merits and purification of negativities. Espe-
cially, having developed in their minds the precious mind of bodhi-
chitta and the correct view realizing selflessness, may they be quick-
ly liberated from the inner prison of craving for this life, craving for
the happiness and joy of future lives, and the ignorance of true
grasping, the root of samsara prison. By abandoning egoism, ordi-
nary appearances and grasping, may they quickly achieve the state
of Buddha. By using all the diculties and suerings as the prac-
tice of mental training, may all become the causes for the achieve-
ment of the enlightenment for the benefit of sentient beings,
and the method to bring happiness and joy to all sentient beings.
For all those people who are in a hospice related to this center and
are close to death, by constantly taking sincere refuge in the Three
Rare and Supreme, may they die without fear. Realizing the mind of
enlightenment caring for others more than oneself and the emp-
tiness of the nature of primordial mind, may they be born in the
pure land, and over successive good basis, complete with the eight
freedoms and ten endowments, may they quickly achieve the un-
surpassed complete enlightenment.
Whatever root of virtue one has accumulated, whether small or

big, as taught in the Sutra Requested by Wisdom Ocean (Sutra re-
quested by Sagara Mati; Sagaramatiparipriccha-sutra), a drop of
water poured in the ocean will not dissipate until the ocean is
emptied. In the same way, one dedicates the root of virtue accu-
mulated to achieve the complete enlightenment for the benefit of
sentient beings. After that, if one generates anger, wrong view, and
the others, although it doesnt eradicate the root of virtue, it weak-
ens their strength. Therefore, you need to seal it with emptiness.
Due to all the roots of virtue accumulated in the three times by

myself, and the roots of virtue accumulated in the three times by
numberless sentient beings and numberless buddhas, all these
roots of virtue of the three times exist as merely designated over
there by the thought, and this means that establishment from its
own side doesnt exist at all. Therefore I, not established from my
own side at all, may I easily achieve the state of Chenrezig, who is
not established from his own side, and may this I, not established
from my own side, be able to easily establish all sentient beings
who are not established from their own side, in the state of Buddha
who is not established from his own side.
End of the Day Dedication Prayers

CHH KYI GYL PO TSONG KHA PI
By pacifying all the signs of obstacles
CHH TSHL NAM PAR PHL WA LA
And by perfec ng every single required condi on,
GEG KYI TSHN MA ZHI WA DANG
May the Dharma tradi on of the Dharma king Tsongkhapa
THN KYEN MA L TSHANG WAR SHOG
Be preserved and developed.
DAG DANG ZHN GYI D SUM DANG

Due to the two types of merit collected
DREL W TSHOG NYI LA TEN N
Over the three mes by myself and others
GYL WA LO ZANG DRAG PA YI
May the teaching of the far-famed
TN PA YN RING BAR GYUR CHIG
Victorious Ones pure wisdom blaze forth.
Colophon:
This writing was compiled and composed by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
with the intent of bringing vast benefits for the practice of oneself and others.
Texts translated by Fabrizio Pallotti Champa Pelgye. Edited by FPMT Education

Services, October 2014.
Foundation for the Preservation
of the Mahayana Tradition
The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT)

is a dynamic worldwide organization devoted to education and public
service. Established by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche,
FPMT touches the lives of beings all over the world. In the early 1970s,
young Westerners inspired by the intelligence and practicality of the
Buddhist approach made contact with these lamas in Nepal and the
organization was born. Now encompassing over 150 Dharma centers,
projects, social services and publishing houses in thirty-three countries,
we continue to bring the enlightened message of compassion, wisdom,
and peace to the world.
We invite you to join us in our work to develop compassion around the

world! Visit our web site at www.fpmt.org to find a center near you, a
study program suited to your needs, practice materials, meditation sup-
plies, sacred art, and online teachings. We oer Friends of FPMT, a pro-
gram with benefits such as Mandala magazine and access to the FPMT
Online Learning Center. Please also check out some of the vast projects
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has developed to preserve the Mahayana tradition
and help end suering in the world today. Lastly, never hesitate to con-
tact us if we can be of service to you.
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

1632 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214 USA
(503) 808-1588
www.fpmt.org
FPMT Education Services
Education Services at FPMT International Oce oers a vast range of

Buddhist study programs, prayer books, and practice materials from the
Gelugpa lineage. Our study programs meet the needs of beginners through
to the most advanced students, from courses introducing Buddhism to the
study of Tibetan and the highest philosophical texts.
As the Dharma takes root in the West, we make clear translations of Bud-
dhist texts, prayers, and teachings available through our study programs and
publications. We work with translators around the world to provide texts in
English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, and many other languages.
Working in collaboration with the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive, we pub-
lish Buddhist prayer books, sadhanas, retreat materials, and practice texts,
many with commentary by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
In addition, the FPMT Foundation Store stocks a growing number of eB-
ooks to be read on your Kindle, iPad or other digital device. Whatever your
interest, FPMT Education Services provides the materials you need to ac-
tualize the Buddhist path.
Education Services
FPMT International Oce
1632 SE 11th Avenue
Portland OR 97214
(503) 808-1588
education@fpmt.org
www.fpmt.org

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The Method for Water Charity

Making Freedom and Endowments Meaningful;

Compiled and composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

2014 Fabrizio Pallotti

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means,

Printed in the USA.

The Method for Water Charity

Compiled and composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Water Offering to Dzambhala

OM PADMA KRODHA ARYA DZAMBHALA HRIDAYA

Recite as many times as possible while oering to White

On a lotus, moon, and DZAM syllable is Yellow Dzambhala,

OM DZAMBHALA DZALANDRAYE SVAHA

Recite as many times as possible and oer to Yellow Dzambhala

Lord of wealth endowed with treasure,

Tormented by the fire of miserly actions,

Mantra name of Black Dzambhala

OM INDHA YANI MUKHAM BHRAMARI SVAHA

The Extensive Praise

This is known as a praise of great blessings, composed by Jowo

Benefits of Offering Water to Preta Beings

Water Charity to Preta Beings

Due to the flow of the light coming from

OM AH HRIH HUM (7x or 21x)

Make charity to the preta beings in general, reciting seven or

OM MANI PDME HUM (7x or 21x)

OM DZALA MIDAM SARVA PRETA BYA SVAHA

The Dharani of Swallowing Obstacles (Jur Geg She

I prostrate to all buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Such are the results of obstructing others in giving, a downfall

Because of this, both of them became distraught, and without any

Bhagavan, we are very distraught. So great is the anguish, it makes

The Bhagavan asked: Why?

This is how it happened. Both of us were at the border, engag-

Having come into contact with this kind of disturbance, we

The Bhagavan said: Sons of good family, that is excellent! Listen

OM DZALA MIDAM SARVA PRETA BAYA SVAHA

They said: Please explain the meaning of those seed syllables.

OM being in the nature of the five transcendent wisdom is the

Again both of them were distraught and went to the Bhagavan.

The Bhagavan said: That is because some flour remains under

written words, and will have a radiant and bright complexion. By

This completes the dharani called Swallowing Obstacles.

Then, myself clarified as the Great Compassionate One, in the palm

Recite this; snap the finger while sprinkling water as before.

OM GYANA AVALOKITE SAMANTHA PHARANA RAMI BHAVA

This passage is found in the text of Hundred Torma.

From the Kangyur (the collection of Buddhas teachings):

As before, while reciting, snap the fingers and pour water.

NAMO RATNA TRAYAYA OM KAMKANI KAMKANI ROCHANI

Think to benefit the nagas.

Making Water Charity to the Naga and So Forth

Moreover, in dependence upon this water charity, may the minds

The Benefits of Making Food Charity

The Torma Ritual Giving Respite to the Female Preta

The Bhagavan was dwelling in the pleasure grove of Kapilavastu

Then, Ananda was alone, interiorly perfectly settled with his

Ananda said: Is there something I can do?

Then Ananda seeing this female preta with a flaming mouth,

her mouth, with withered mouth and stomach, with a swinging

Then the Bhagavan Tathagata Shakyamuni said to the righteous

NAMA SARVA TATHAGATA AVALOKITE OM SAMBHARA

Ananda, you should always, without interruption, explain this to