Vajrasattva Practice: Three Preliminaries and the Four Opponent Powers

Preliminaries to Vajrasattva Practice

Before engaging in the practice of Vajrasattva, there are three key points to consider, concerning the body, speech, and mind.

• Body: The physical posture involves sitting in the seven-point posture of Vairochana.

• Speech: The practice of speech focuses on expelling impure air through both nostrils.

• Mind: The mental aspect is to take refuge and generate bodhicitta. Following this, focus on the realization of emptiness, while reciting the seed syllable “Ah.” This recitation should be done for about a minute or several minutes.

The Four Opponent Powers

As taught by Dharma King Rinpoche, reciting the Vajrasattva mantra 400,000 times with the four opponent powers can purify even the most severe transgressions, such as breaking root vows of tantra.

1. 1. The Power of Reliance

      In the state of emptiness, visualize a magnificent array of offerings appearing in the space before you. In the center of these offerings, visualize a majestic lotus throne. Above the lotus seat on a moon disc, is Vajrasattva in his sambhogakaya form. Vajrasattva faces you, and you beseech him to accept your confession. Ask Vajrasattva not to forget his original vow and to accept beings with heavy karma with compassion.

   2. The Power of Remorse

      In the presence of Vajrasattva, with a feeling of intense regret, like that of someone who has mistakenly taken poison, confess all the negative actions you have committed from beginningless time until now, through your body, speech and mind. If you remember specific actions, confess them one by one. For example, the date, location, and specific nature of the transgression should be clearly recalled and confessed.

      The power of remorse, which is the force that breaks the power of evil, is the most critical of the four opponent powers. The degree to which negative karma is purified depends entirely on the intensity of remorse. Once a strong feeling of remorse is present, the other opponent powers will inevitably follow. It is important to make great effort in developing this feeling of remorse, as it is absolutely vital for purification.

   3. The Power of Resolve

      Make a vow: From this moment on, even if faced with the threat of death, I will never commit these negative actions again. Please, Vajrasattva, accept me with compassion.

   4. The Power of Application

      Recite the Vajrasattva mantra, “Om Benza Satto Hung.”

Conclusion of the Practice

Recite the dedication and auspicious verses. Examine your performance in this practice session, and offer constructive criticism or encouragement to yourself.