Treasures

I was surprised to receive the gift of a Dudjom lineage treasure vase for my birthday. It was bestowed by the good heart of a sangha member. This particular vessel was created based on specifications given by Guru Padmasambhava, the great sage who brought Buddhism to Tibet. The blessings, pacification and improved environment created by a treasure vase extend outward from the vase’s location. The sacred contents and rituals involved in producing the vessel have the power to magnetize wealth and abundance, improve health and healing, pacify anger and conflict, and increase wisdom and compassion.

Traditionally, Tibetan Treasure Vases are given on auspicious occasions such as births, weddings, housewarmings or new ventures. They are kept in one’s home or business, or buried at a chosen site. The vases have energy to restore vitality and harmony to elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and space) that are imbalanced, disturbed, or depleted by environmental pollutants. Within the areas surrounding the vase, direct experiences of well-being occur. Suffice to say, I have installed this vessel on the altar at the Dharma Center to benefit everyone.

A treasure vase is just one of many ways our tradition makes use of the five elements to help balance energies. Think of water offerings, incense, candle light, imagery, mantras, etc. Each of the five elements has a corresponding sense: taste, touch, smell, hearing, and vision—and a corresponding aggregate: form, feeling, perception, mental formation, and consciousness. Therefore, all aspects of our being is involved in the act of spiritual practice. Every thing becomes a treasure, an offering, to benefit all life.

When I brew tea early in the morning, the first cup is placed on our altar at home. It is an offering to all the buddhas and bodhisattvas. It is also a prayer for the earth and all forms of life, a wish for compassion and harmony. Imagine every breath and every action becoming an embodied prayer. What would our world be like? It is important to visualize such a world—and dedicate the energy of various treasures in our life to be of benefit to all beings.