All offering required purification

After offering:

- Butter/Dalda lamp

- Sang

- Incense sticks; 

- Fruits, 

- Syerkam, 

- Sur 

- Food

Or whatever type of offerings are made it is very important to recite three times ཨོྃ་ཨཱ་ཧཱུྃ། OM AH HUM. 

This mantra is the seed syllables of the Buddha's body, speech, and mind. After that sprinkle the offerings with water from Bumpa. 

Visualize that the offerings are now purified and blessed. 

If you don't have bumpa than sprinkle water by dipping a piece of kusha grass  or clean leaves into clean water.

Remember, if Yongchab  (sprinkling) is not done, than the offering is considered impure.

Generally, the bumpa contains the blessed water (which may contain saffron, bumpa rilbu or medicinal ingredients) and the peacock feathers fit into the top of a conical tube, the bottom of which sits in the water in the bumpa. 

The peacock feathers do symbolizes peacock who can eat poison. It therefore represents purification (transforming). 

The tube is taken out and flicked or shaken and the residual water in it is used to bless the offerings.

So Yongchap is very imperative to purify the offerings.

Pacifying the Date of Cutting Hair

This is as per the teaching of Guru Rinpoche when he first visited Bumthang in the 8^th century in the year 746 A.D. Guru Rinpoche conquered all demons and spirit in Bumthang and later he invoked Command or Order that we should cut our hair as per Buddhist Astrology on auspicious days in the month. Guru also reminded that just to live long our life:

•       We should throw cut hairs in the river as river is spontaneous flow indicating long life like river. If possible take hair in the river Ganga, so our sins are purified.
•        We can also throw in the forest, as forest is the wealth of greenery and will accumulate abandonment wealth like forest. 
•        We can also burn down and with the smell or scent will reach Realm of Gods and Devas and will think those human beings are dying in the World (Human Realm). This will in-turn increase our wisdom and intelligent too.
•     We should not throw cut hairs randomly it will hamper to our power of personality and short life (Wangta-lungta). 

For the Year of the Female Earth Pig (2019 / 2020)

Favorable days of the lunar month for cutting the hair are:

·      The 8th day of lunar month to bring longevity
14 January 2019, 13 February 2019, 14 March, 13 April, 12 May, 10 June, 10 July, 8 August, 6 September, 6 October, 4 November, 4 December, 3 January 2020, 2 February 2020

·      The 9th day of lunar to bring attractive energy
15 January 2019, 14 February 2019, 15 March, 13 May, 11 June, 9 August, 7 September, 7 October, 5 November, 5 December, 4 January 2020, 3 February 2020

·      The 10th day of Lunar to bring magnetism
16 January 2019, 16 March, 14 April, 14 May, 12 June, 11 July, 10 August, 8 September, 8 October, 6 & 7 November, 6 December, 5 January 2020, 4 February 2020

·      The 11th day of lunar to bring intelligence
17 January 2019, 15 February 2019, 17 March, 15 April, 15 May, 13 June, 12 July, 11 August, 9 September, 9 October, 8 November, 7 December, 6 January 2020, 5 February 2020

·      The 26th and 27^th of lunar month to bring happiness
1 & 2 January 2019; 31 January & 1 February; 2 & 3 March 2019, 31 March & 1 April; 30 April & 1 May; 30 & 31 May; 28 & 29 June; 28 & 29 July; 26 & 27 August; 25 & 26 September; 24 & 25 October, 22 & 23 November; 22 & 23 December; 20 & 21 January 2020; 19 & 20 February 2020

Unfavorable days are:

The 1st, 2nd, 7th, 12th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 28th and 29th days of the lunar month. Cutting one’s hair on these days will lead to a loss of vitality. The same date is given below in gorgerin calendar.

January 2019: 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, 18, 22, 23, 26, 30
February 2019: 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25
March: 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 23, 26, 30
April: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25, 29
May: 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 16, 19, 21, 24, 29
June: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 18, 20, 23, 27, 30
July: 1, 3, 4, 9, 13, 17, 19, 20, 23, 27, 30, 31
August: 2, 7, 12, 16, 18, 21, 25, 28, 29, 31
September: 1, 5, 10, 15, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29, 30
October: 5, 10, 14, 16, 19, 23, 26, 27, 29
November: 3, 9, 13, 15, 18, 24, 25, 27, 28
December: 3, 8, 13, 17, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28
January 2020: 2, 7, 11, 13, 16, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26
February 2020: 1, 6, 10, 14, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25

Results of cutting hair on different days of lunar month (corresponding check with gorgerin calendar)

1st  of the month – one will have a short life

2nd of the month – one will have many diseases

3rd  wealth will come

4thone will have good complexion of one’s body

5^th one’s possessions will increase

6^th one will be sued (court case)

7^th one’s complexion will disappear (body color will disappear)

8^th one will have long life

9^th one will meet youthful people (boyfriend, girlfriend)

10^th one will have great power

11^th one will have sharp intelligence

12^th there will be danger to one’s life

13^th it is good for all living beings

14^th one will become wealthy

15^th it is auspicious

16^th one will have thirst

17^th the color of your flesh will turn blue

18^th one will receive possessions

19^th one will meet good people (people who will help you)

20^th one will have hungered and thirst

21^st one will have diseases

22^nd one will find food and water

23^rd good will come, things will be positive

24^th one will have eye pain

25^th one will get contagious diseases

26^th one will always be happy

27^th one’s virtue will increase

28^th fighting and quarrelling will happen

29^th one’s life/spirit potential will wander

30^th one will meet with persons who have died and have been reborn as spirits in human form.

Reference: 

1. Jambay Tash, GNHC

2.The Benchen Karma Kamtsang Buddhist Association

3. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Know how Lhasang Thruelsel is performed?

The Lhasang (purification offering)  is one of the most common rituals performed in Bhutan.

The short ritual usually performed in the early morning calls upon all the good spirits and well-intentioned deities, as well as buddhas, bodhisattvas, protectors, and deceased teachers. Unlike many other rituals which is performed for the specific purposes, Lhasang served as multiple offering to many deities and bodhisattvas.

Lhasang is conducted for a variety of spiritual as well as secular purposes and by different people.

A lay person in time of duress, a householder on behalf of the entire family, at new new born house to remove defilement three days after baby delivery, before venturing to long journey, before and after construction of a building, blessing of new vehicle, or blessing of a special object.

The lhasang involves purification of negative forces by fire and juniper smoke and is empowering by attracting higher beings of samsara and the enlightened ones.

The lhasang concludes with a restatement of the purpose and with a particularly powerful mantra, such as:

OM YE DHARMA HETU-PRABHAVA HETUM TESHAM TATHAGATO HYAVADAT TESHAM CA YO NIRODHA EVAM VADI MAHASHRAMANAH SVAHA

This mantra represents one of the oldest statements of Buddha Shakyamuni; it translates as: “Whatever phenomena (dharmas) arise from a cause, the cause of them the Tathagata has taught, as well as the cessation thereof. Just so has the great ascetic declared.”

The rituals are often accompanied by very auspicious synchronicities involving natural phenomena (sun, clouds, rainbow, appearance of animals, etc). This is considered to be confirmation of the success of the ritual.

The lhasang has several stages. First a fire is made using juniper and cedar branches – glowing embers are preferable top open flames. This is followed by an invocation inviting higher being to attend. On the general level, the lhasang might call upon the three jewels (Buddha, dharma, and sangha), the three bases of Buddhist practice (gurus, yidams, and dakinis), and whatever gods and sages there might be – protectors, the three most important bodhisattvas (Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani), Guru Rinpoche, and other Buddhist lineage figures.

This is followed by offerings that can be material (grains, food, alcohol) or imagined.
Then supplication for assistance is issued to the beings who have been gathered and with whom contact has been established through the offerings.

One first asks for purification and protection against obstacles and negativity, which can be inner (disease, emotional problems, resistance, and other impediments to successful dharma practice) or outer (curses, lawsuits, warfare, failing crops, plague, and famine).

The following request is for empowerment, health, material prosperity, and well-being. On the transmudane level, one asks for successful dharma practice, insight, compassion, and close connection with one’s lineage. Higher beings are seen as participating in the overall scheme of things and capable of influencing the course of events.

The supplication is followed by repetition of various mantras, often in Sanskrit which, as the original language of Buddhism, is considered particularly powerful.

For example, the revered mantra of Avalokiteshvara, OM MANI PADME HUM, or the most important mantra of Padmasambhava, OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM.

In Vajrayana, the mantras embody the essence of particular buddhas, protectors, or departed gurus. At this point, participants circumambulate the fire in a clockwise fashion, purifying themselves and various objects (clothes, brushes, sculpting tools, etc.) by juniper smoke. It does not include ritual implements, which are sacred already. A thrusel is performed carrying a mirror and a white scarf.

After Lhasang, one feel a sense of happiness as the house/room/area is totally cleansed of all defilement.

This is what is done in that one hour ceremony. Hope you all are aware of performing Lhasang now.

The Eight Parkha with good and bad directions

The Eight Directions

There are eight directions. In Bhutanese astrology four directions are categorized as “four good directions” or Zan-shi, while the other falls under “four bad directions” known as Gnen-shi. This direction are checked in Eight Parkha annually and taken heed of the same.

The four good directions

1.    Nam-Men (Sky Healer)

This is the best one. Good for doctors. The direction where the Sky Healer can be found is the most favorable for healing and medicine. This is the best direction and kind for a house to face, and represents the life-generating force. Often this direction is recommended for the location of the front door, when a new building is being constructed. This very energizing direction indicates prosperity, excellent business opportunities, plus nobility, statesmanship, and respect, in general. It belongs to the element Wood.

2.    Sog-Tso (Healthy Life)

This is the next best direction. The direction of Vitality and Health is the second-best, and it is traditional to sleep with one's head pointed in this direction. It is good for healing and generating vitality. Its image is the thunderbolt (Dorje) or Vajra.

This, second-best direction relates to health and safety matters. It bodes well for finding the best teachers and doctors, and all noble and helpful people. It belongs to the element Earth.

3.    Pal-Key (Generating, Glorious)

The direction of Generating Wealth is the third best direction, and it is best to buy or obtain things from this direction, if possible. This is the third-best direction and is favorable for longevity, good health, and all kinds of relationships, romantic and otherwise – friends, lovers, co-workers. It also bring public and communication skills. It belongs to the Metal element.

4.    Cha-Lön (Luck Messenger)

The direction of the Auspicious Messenger is the fourth best direction (least beneficial of the “good” directions), and it is considered favorable to travel in this direction. This is the fourth and lowest of the best directions and brings stability and calm, as well as a certain amount of luck. It is recommended for areas where studies or meditation take place, and enhances organizational and management skills.

The four bad directions

1.    Nö-Pa (Evil Spirit)

The direction of the Evil Spirit is the least bad of the four bad directions. However, this direction should be avoided, under threat of injury and accidents. This is the weakest or least problematical of the four inauspicious forms and refers to loss of money, quarreling, lawsuits, and, in general, obstacles to achieving one's goals.

2.    Dre-Gna (Five Ghosts)

The direction of the Five Demons or Five Ghosts is the second worst of the four bad directions, and should be avoided, lest it expose one to various demonic influences.

This is the second worst of the four inauspicious and refers to loss, the loss of friends, relatives, and also to fire, accidents, and negative influences, in general. This includes backstabbing, betrayal, arguments, and minor accidents.

3.    Dü-Chö (Devil-Cutting)

The direction of the Devil Cutting is the 3rd worst direction, meaning next to the worst one. It must be avoided under threat of life and limb, and one has to protect one’s life force. This, the next to the worst of the four inauspicious forms refers loss in relationships, bad sexual experiences, and treachery, in general. Also: lawsuits, physical injury, surgery, arguments, and legal problems. The element is Water.

4.    Lu-Chey (Body Destroying)

The direction of the Body Destroying is the very worst direction and should be avoided at all costs. It is said to threaten a particular part of the body depending upon the particular Parkha involved. This is the worst of the four inauspicious and is considered to be life threatening, promoting illness, incurable diseases, misfortune, bankruptcy, robbery, and unproductive career, and other fateful occurrences. The element is Metal.

The Parkha and directions (good and bad) is given below.

Cha-Lön Pal-Key Dre-Gna Pal-Key Cha-Lön Lu-Chey Dre-Gna Lu-Chey Cha-Lön Nam-Men ZON Lu-Chey Sog-Tso LI Dre-Gna Nö-Pa KHON Pal-Key Dü-Chö Sog-Tso Nö-Pa Nö-Pa Nam-Men Dü-Chö Sog-Tso Dü-Chö Nam-Men Nam-Men Sog-Tso Nö-Pa The Eight Directions. Four Good and Four Bad Lu-Chey Dre-Gna Pal-Key Cha-Lön ZEN Dü-Chö Dü-Chö DO Cha-Lön Lu-Chey Pal-Key Dre-Gna Nam-Men Nö-Pa Sog-Tso Dü-Chö Nö-Pa Sog-Tso Sog-Tso Nam-Men Dü-Chö Nö-Pa Dü-Chö Nam-Men Lu-Chey GEN Nam-Men Pal-Key KHAM Nö-Pa Dre-Gna KHEN Sog-Tso Cha-Lön Dre-Gna Pal-Key Dre-Gna Cha-Lön Lu-Chey Pal-Key Lu-Chey Cha-Lön

The Table below indicates eight directions of each Parkha:

SE SOUTH SW SE SOUTH SW SE SOUTH SW EAST ZON WEST EAST LI WEST EAST KHON WEST NE NORTH NW NE NORTH NW NE NORTH NW SE SOUTH SW The Eight Directions. Four Good and Four Bad SE SOUTH SW EAST ZEN WEST EAST DO WEST NE NORTH NW NE NORTH NW SE SOUTH SW SE SOUTH SW SE SOUTH SW EAST GEN WEST EAST KHAM WEST EAST KHEN WEST NE NORTH NW NE NORTH NW NE NORTH NW

This means:

SE	SOUTH	SW
EAST	LI	WEST
NE	NORTH	NW

If your Parkha is “LI” than your good and bad direction this year areas under:

• v  Nam-Men:        North
• v  Sog-Tso:          East
• v  Pal-Key:           SE (South East)
• v  Cha-Lön:          South
• v  Nö-Pa:             SE (South East)
• v  Dre-Gna:          West
• v  Dü-Chö:           NW (North West)
• v  Lu-Chey:          SW (South West)

So how to check your Parkha. Usually people find little difficult to calculate their Parkha.  I have made your life easier by indicating age in each Parkha trigam. I have given two Parkha table with age group due to the fact the Male Parkha start clockwise from LI and female anticlockwise from Kham. So base o your gender check your Parkha and find out the good and bad directions. Please follow strictly.

Male Age Group Parkha

ZIN (8,16,24,32,40,48,56,64,72,80,88) LI (1,9,17,25,33,41,49,57,65,73,81,89) KHON (2,10,18,26,34,42,50,58,66,74,82) ZEN (7,15,23,31,39,47,55,63,71,79,87) PARKHA    (Male age) DO (3,11,19,27,35,43,51,59,67,75,83) GEN (6,14,22,30,38,46,54,62,70,78,85) KHAM (5,13,21,29,37,45,53,61,69,77,85) KHEN (4,12,2,28,36,44,52,60,68,76,84)

Female Age Group Parkha

ZIN (6,14,22,30,38,46,54,62,70,78,85) LI (5,13,21,29,37,45,53,61,69,77,85) KHON (4,12,2,28,36,44,52,60,68,76,84) ZEN (7,15,23,31,39,47,55,63,71,79,87) PARKHA (Female age) DO (3,11,19,27,35,43,51,59,67,75,83) GEN (8,16,24,32,40,48,56,64,72,80,88) KHAM (1,9,17,25,33,41,49,57,65,73,81,89) KHEN (2,10,18,26,34,42,50,58,66,74,82)

Any difficulty in interpreting, please drop a message. GOOD LUCK