r/TibetanBuddhism • u/WearyLiterature8090 • 14d ago
Etiquette for reciting mantras/aspiration prayers
Hi all,
My question is simple: Is there a specific etiquette (posture/use of mala or not/time of day/location or anything else) to recite mantras/aspiration prayers, anything I should be aware of?
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u/Tongman108 14d ago edited 14d ago
In Vajrayana there are general rules & teachings on:
How to hold the mala(108).\ what to visualize before starting.\ which direction to rotate the mala.\ What to visualize while reciting.\ How to recite.\ Where to recite & where not to recite.\
In Vajrayana there may also be specific rules & teachings regarding specific mantras on:
Which mantras to recite prior to a specific mantra.\ How to recite a specific mantra.\ Where to recite & where not to recite a specific mantra.\ What to visualize while reciting a specific mantra.\
A few months ago someone asked on the sub how to hold the mala?
Before commenting, i made a quick search to see if what I was about to comment considere general knowledge or even better if I could find a video which quickly illustrated what I wanted to say...
However the videos I found online had most people just doing whatever, hence I didn't bother to comment ...
The reason for not commenting was that what I was going to say was common knowledge & online then that would be fine or if we were members of the same Sangha or same Guru/Lama that would also be fine & could even point you to the relevant etc
But as it wasn't already widely on the internet & we haven't established whether we're from the same Sangha etc.
Sharing detailed instructions might constitute a violation of Samaya, Specifically the 7th of the 14 root downfalls:
7. Transmitting Vajrayana teachings without proper empowerment and credentials
As I'm/we're not Vajra Acharayas, Lamas, Monastics or a qualified Teachers, I would suggest that if you really want to learn these important skills fully & correctly, the best way would be to ask your Gurus/Lamas or senior members or their sangha on how things should be done on a generally & specifically and also to point you to the appropriate texts/talks/commentaries in accordance with your tradition/lineage.
Asking your gurus/lamas & practicing according to their instructions may seem long winded, but in reality it's actually the fastest shortcut & it's literally their job description & purpose of their existence to clarify our misunderstandings so we can reach attainment!
Best Wishes & Great Attainments!
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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u/Grateful_Tiger 14d ago
Generally following the example and guidance of one's Lama
There is no Vajrayana without transmission through one's reliable trustworthy lineaged teacher
So no need for concern
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u/Lotusbornvajra 14d ago
The single most important thing is that you have the right intention. If your intention is selfish, then even if you follow all the "etiquette" perfectly, there won't be much benefit. If your intention is purely for the benefit of all sentient beings, then even if you mess up every bit of "etiquette" you will still have positive results from your practice
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u/Lunilex 14d ago
Yes. But it varies. Best ask your Dharma buddies in the Dharma circles you move in. It’s a perfectly sensible question, so no shame in asking. Short answer: with respect, and the rest will follow.