Category Archives: Prayer and Ritual

Special Day for Healing Waters Practice

His Eminence Menri Yongdzin Pönlop Yangtön Thrinley Nyima Rinpoche gives blessed water for cleansing obscurations and bestowing blessings to the school children of the Tapriza School in Dolpo, Nepal.

The 5th lunar day of the 7th month each year is a powerful day for receiving blessed water or for practicing with water for cleansing or healing. In 2025, this lunar date corresponds with August 28th. Healing from blessed water or other types of medicine taken on this day will continue to have amplified power for seven days.

A belief shared among many religious traditions is that particular bodies of water can bestow purification, healing, eternal youth, or special knowledge. Within the Yungdrung Bön religious tradition, there are many rituals to imbue water with the blessings and power of the enlightened ones in order to wash away negativities and provide healing and protection. This kind of water and its associated ritual cleansing is known as trü [Tibetan: khrus]. There are daily practices of ritual washing that are performed at dawn in order to cleanse the body, speech, and mind. In particular, this is one of the practices adopted by genyen, or lay practitioners with vows. In Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen’s Thirteen Daily Yogas, he gives instructions for external, internal, and secret cleansing using water. According to one’s current practice, the source of purification is from Buddha Sherap Jamma, Shenlha Ökar, or Küntu Zangpo.

“OM, From the nature of enlightened body, speech, and mind from the mandala of the completely pure Bön essence, a stream of three tiklés descend. This is water of the great unborn enlightened body. May the stains of the physical body become purified! This is water of the great unceasing enlightened speech. May the stains of speech become purified! This is water of the great undeluded enlightened mind. May the stains of mind become purified! Having purified the obscurations of body, speech, and mind of myself and the limitless sentient beings, may we be endowed with the completely pure three trainings!”

— From Stainless Majestic Splendor

One of the most widespread healing practices using water is Nampar Jompa’s Healing Waters Mantra practice. The enlightened deity Nampar Jompa has a wrathful appearance with a blue-colored body with serpents as ornaments on his arms, legs, waist, and hair.

Nampar Jompa

“I, myself, as the deity Nampar Jompa hold in my right hand a vessel filled with elixir.  In my left hand, I hold a mirror which removes all illness and injury.  Having washed with this healing water, I clearly imagine that any remaining contamination is washed away because of this medicine.”  

— From The Practice of the Washing Rite within Nampar Jompa’s Healing Waters Mantra

At the conclusion of the practice after the practitioner has transformed into the deity Nampar Jompa, empowered the water with mantra, and then washed with the water, the practice text concludes with a notation emphasizing the power of the practice.

“Thus, through this supplication prayer of the washing rite, having purified all traces of previous illness and negative external influences, just like the overflow of water from a crystal vessel, imagine that all negativity and illness leave from the tips of the fingers and toes, the nostrils and the secret place.

There is no place what-so-ever for the creation of even the smallest thing to arise.  Not even a single atom remains that needs to be purified!”

Sigyal Drakngak Walmo, the enlightened deity who protects from contagious disease through empowered water

During the global pandemic of Covid-19, many Yungdrung Bön lamas advised their disciples to engage with the mantra and practice of Sigyal Drakngak who is one of the most wrathful manifestations of Sipé Gyalmo who specifically protects from infectious disease through the use of empowered water. Translation of this text, The Heartdrop of Si Gyal that is All-pervasive and Clears Away Afflictive Emotions and Illness, has been published in both English and French. Because this is a restricted text, it is available only for those who have received transmission for the practice. (If you have received transmission and would like to order a copy of the translation, email Raven Cypress Wood at the email address listed below with the name of the teacher and the year that you received transmission and you will be given the ordering information.)

“OM! This water of nectar has the nature of wisdom and medicine. May all negative karma, afflictive emotions and discursive thoughts of migrating beings be washed away! May all illness, external negative forces, karmic potentialities, and contaminations be purified!”

— From The Heartdrop of Si Gyal that is All-pervasive and Clears Away Afflictive Emotions and Illness

In addition to the practices specifically using water as a method of purification, healing, or empowerment, there are practices and mantra that can be used to transform water from an ordinary substance to one that is imbued with extraordinary qualities. Again in Shardza Rinpoche’s Thirteen Daily Yogas, he suggests using the following mantra for all daily liquids in order to transform them into nectar: SO OM MA MA MU YE A OM HUNG TING NAM DÜTSI SO TA. One should recite the mantra seven or twenty-one times, blow onto the liquid, and then drink while visualizing that it has become the nectar of wisdom. 

Also, the great mantra, OM MA TRI MU YÉ SA LÉ DU, has extraordinary power and can be recited one hundred times or more, without the interruption of ordinary speech, then blown onto clean water used for drinking or cleansing. According to the chapter within the MA TRI tantra entitled The Thirty-two Benefits of the Sufficient Recitation of the Precious Lamp:

“Anyone affected by contaminated energy, latent karmic potentialities, misfortune, or defilements, having recited this MA TRI mantra into pure, clean water, if they ritually wash for seven mornings, even karmic defilements will be purified.”

— From The Thirty-two Benefits of the Recitation Practice of the Precious Lamp

The Heartdrop of Jamma is an aural transmission from Khandro Sherap Lo Pélma who is a manifestation of Sherap Jamma and a deity who is specifically practiced in order to develop the intellect. In The Heartdrop of Jamma, the practitioner uses the power of the mantric syllables to transform each aspect of their body into one of Jamma’s countless manifestations. This text is commonly recited by Yungdrung Bön families after the final meal of the day. This texts lists many benefits of its recitation including the use of water.

“If you recite the mantra to good quality water mixed with powdered, medicinal incense containing blessed medicine and the six excellent substances, and then cleanse with that water, all illness and sickness caused by negative forces will be pacified and all defilements and contaminations will be purified.” 

— From The Heartdrop of Jamma

The English, Spanish, and French translations of The Heartdrop of Jamma have been published and are available to anyone through this link: https://www.lulu.com/search?page=1&q=raven+cypress+wood&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00

Did you enjoy this content? This article is made possible by generous donors who want content like this to continue to be available.

Join the mandala of Nine Ways supporters by following this link: https://ravencypresswood.com/donate/

It’s easy through Paypal, Zelle, or Venmo. RCW108@gmail.com

Don’t want to miss a post? Scroll to the bottom and click “Follow this blog.”

Posted on | Image

His Eminence Yongdzin Rinpoche: Cremation of the Holy Physical Remains and Fire Offering Rites

The Sacred vessel containing the Holy Physical Remains of His Eminence Yongdzin Tendzin Namdak Rinpoché

Since the parinirvana of the esteemed and greatly beloved master, His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoché, the worldwide Yungdrung Bön community has been observing a 49-day period of veneration, prayers, and offerings to receive blessings and accumulate great spiritual merit. On Friday August 2, 2025 this 49-day period concluded. From August 4th to August 9th, an extensive fire offering rite according to the cycle of the Künrig Le Zhi Gyün Nga‘i Jin Sek will be performed. During this time on August 6th, the actual cremation of the holy physical remains will take place. The Künrig Le Zhi Gyün Nga‘i Jin Sek, is one of the primary texts in the Yungdrung Bön religious tradition used for cremation rites and the continuous fire offerings that take place. For this, a great variety and quantity of offerings are being prepared. Among these offerings are many large and small boards written with mantras and prayers that will be read by the officiating lama, consecrated with blessed substances, and then placed into the fire.

Offerings for the fire offering rites
Offerings for the fire offering rites
A great accumulation of fire offerings

During these rites, the holy physical remains will be cremated in a specially built chorten [Sanskrit: stupa]. After the conclusion of the ritual, once the ash from the offering rites has cooled, it will be carefully collected along with any relics and saved to be placed into a reliquary chorten that will be built to hold the relics along with a variety of other sacred objects and substances. Additionally, many sa tsa will be made that will be filled with some of the cremation ash and distributed to faithful disciples and supporters.

Construction of the cremation chorten at Triten Norbutsé Monastery

Did you enjoy this content? This article is made possible by generous donors who want content like this to continue to be available.

Join the mandala of Nine Ways supporters by following this link: https://ravencypresswood.com/donate/

It’s easy through Paypal, Zelle, or Venmo.

Don’t want to miss a post? Scroll to the bottom and click “Follow this blog.”

Posted on | Image

Celebration of the 90th Birthday of H. H. the 14th Dalai Lama Gyalwa Rinpoche & Statement Regarding the Continuation of the Dalai Lama Lineage

July 6th is celebrated as the birthday of the one born as Lhamo Döndrup, recognized at the age of two and formally installed at the age of fifteen, as the leader of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism and therefore both the spiritual and secular leader of Tibet. Upon his enthronement, he was renamed Jetsun Jampel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso: Holy Lord, Gentle Glory, Compassionate Defender of the Faith who is an Ocean of Wisdom. He is known as Yizhin Norbu Rinpoche, the Precious Wish-fulfilling Jewel, and referred to as Gyalwa Rinpoche, Most Precious Conqueror, by Tibetans. He is known around the world as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The title Dalai Lama was first given in 1578 C.E. to Sonam Gyatso, leader of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism, by the Mongolian leader Altan Kahn who had just received teachings from him. The term Dalai Lama is a combination of the Mongolian word dalai meaning ocean, and the Tibetan word lama commonly meaning spiritual master and literally translated as mother of the soul, or highest mother. Sonam Gyatso became known as the 3rd Dalai Lama because the two previous leaders of the Geluk school were posthumously awarded the title. Beginning with the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, the authority and influence of the Dalai Lamas expanded beyond sectarian boundaries into all schools of Tibetan Buddhism as well as becoming enjoined with the secular function of governing the country of Tibet.

Upon the occasion of his 90th birthday, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has issued a public statement regarding the continuation of the Dalai Lama lineage.

Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama

(Translated from the original Tibetan)

On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, “As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future.”

I also said, “When I am about ninety I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”

Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.

The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.

I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.

Dalai Lama

Dharamshala

21 May 2025

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche.

Around the world on this day, devotees will begin the day with a large fumigation and smoke offering, and then present offerings and prayers to an image of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Especially on this day, there will be many prayers for his long and healthy life.

Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Gang ri ra wé kor wé zhing kham su
In a heavenly realm, surrounded by a chain of snow mountains,

Pen dang dé wa ma lü jung wé né
The source of all happiness and help for beings

Chenrezik wang Tenzin Gyatso yi
Is Tenzin Gyatso, Chenrezik in person.

Shyap pé kal gyé bar du ten gyur chik
May his life be secure for hundreds of eons!

Raven Cypress Wood ©All Rights Reserved. No content, in part or in whole, is allowed to be used without direct permission from the author.

Did you enjoy this content? This article is made possible by generous donors who want content like this to continue to be available. Join the mandala of Nine Ways supporters by following this link: https://ravencypresswood.com/donate/

Don’t want to miss a post? Scroll to the bottom and click “Follow this blog.”

Posted on | Image

Welcoming and Installing the Sacred Remains of the Spiritual Master

His Holiness the 34th Menri Trizen, His Eminence Menri Pönlop, Khenpo Ronpoche and others escort the sacred Ku dung to be installed at Triten Norbutse Monastery

On the evening of June 20, 2025 with wondrous signs in the environment, the lord of refuge His Eminence Yongdzin Tendzin Namdak Rinpoche passed from his state of tukdam and left his sacred physical remains. On June 21, 2025, accompanied by His Holiness the 34th Menri Trizen, His Eminence Menri Pönlop Rinpoche, Khenpo Tenpe Yungdrung Rinpoche, and other khenpos, geshes, and an ocean of faithful disciples, the sacred remains were escorted to Triten Norbutsé Monastery.

The road was lined with faithful followers, and the path to the monastery was ornamented with auspicious symbols drawn with golden flowers. There were victory banners flowing, sweet-smelling incense, and the sacred sound of drums, cymbals, and chanting filled the air.

The precious remains were installed at the monastery with auspicious signs. The monastic community presented the five offerings and repeatedly made fervent prayers of praise and aspirations. The times for visiting and viewing the sacred remains by the faithful will soon be announced.

A video of the sacred procession can be viewed at this link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1258612932653054

Raven Cypress Wood ©All Rights Reserved. No content, in part or in whole, is allowed to be used without direct permission from the author.

Did you enjoy this content? This article is made possible by generous donors who want content like this to continue to be available. Join the mandala of Nine Ways supporters by following this link: https://ravencypresswood.com/donate/

Don’t want to miss a post? Scroll to the bottom and click “Follow this blog.”

Posted on | Image

When the Lama Passes Beyond: A Brief Explanation

On the 16th day of the sacred Saga Dawa month in the Tibetan Wood Snake year, June 12, 2025, at 7:45 AM, His Eminence Menri Yongdzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, master of the three lineages and spiritual elder of the Yungdrung Bön religious tradition, passed beyond this life and entered into a state of deep meditation, tukdam, at his lama residence at Triten Norbutse Monastery. In general, tukdam refers to a state of meditative stability attained by meditation masters that continues after the external breath of their physical body has ceased but the internal breath, or winds, remain.  Therefore, the subtle channels through which these winds move remain stable. The area of the body containing the heart chakra remains warm to the touch.  The skin remains soft, and the face retains a glow of vitality.  Often, the master is sitting in meditation posture, but can also be in the yogic posture of the “sleeping lion” lying upon the right side of the body, knees together and slightly bent with the right hand under the head and the left arm resting upon the body.  During this time, great care is taken to not disturb the body or interrupt the state of mediation.  Great blessings can be received by connecting with the master during this important time.

After an indeterminate number of days, the internal winds cease, the channels collapse, the physical body slumps, and the warmth dissipates from the heart center. At that time, chants related to the cleansing of the sacred body are recited while the physical remains are ritually bathed with water mixed with special herbs.  Sacred seed syllables are then written on the body and the body is wrapped in a pure white cloth. Disciples who connect with the lama during this time either by being near the sacred remains or at a distance, can receive great blessings.

Tsok offerings

Because the master has attained a state of enlightened realization, the prayers and rituals that are offered during this time are different than that for an ordinary being.  Rather than offering prayers to support their experience of death, disciples focus upon practices to honor the teachings of the master.  These prayers and practices include performing acts of virtue to benefit all beings, reciting aspirational prayers such as Tséwang’s Precious Mala of Beneficial Aspiration Prayers, the Tséwang Monlam, and practicing guru yoga in a pure and fervent way. The English language translation of Tséwang’s Precious Mala of Beneficial Aspiration Prayers has been made publicly available for personal use by and can be downloaded at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1LOlW-w3zlTV1HRbedK625IEcwwImPI/view?usp=share_link. Additionally, the monastic community offers many tsok, or sacred feast offerings. At the time of cremation, an elaborate fire ritual called Kün Rik is performed during which a wide variety of offerings are presented to the entire cycle of deities. In honor of the great kindness and generosity of His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche throughout his life, who shared his guidance and teachings with countless sentient beings in order for them to escape the misery of cyclic existence, the English language translation of Prayers to the Lama is being made publicly available for the personal use of the worldwide Yungdrung Bön family. The prayer can be downloaded at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H0npefK4YasUAiDGTM3tLgwwbyNPypmc/view?usp=share_link

Although the master has attained the ultimate state of realization and therefore does not experience the 49 days of transiting the bardo, the 49 day period is still observed as a time to continue with aspirational and devotional prayers, renewal of vows especially those received from the master, fervent guru yoga, and acts of virtue in order to honor the teachings and spiritual guidance of the master.

Supplication to the Lord of Refuge, Menri Yongdzin Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche

How marvelous! Teacher of the three trainings and protector of migrating beings, you are an emanation of the omniscient Nyiwang who perfects enlightened intention with dynamic energy. Having the total perfection of the abiding nature of sutra and trantra, you hold and protect the teachings through your completely pure enlightened activities. To Yongdzin Mawé Wangpo I supplicate! (Written by the supreme Lord of Refuge, the 33rd Menri Trizen Rinpoche on the 8th lunar day of the 3rd lunar month.)

Raven Cypress Wood ©All Rights Reserved. No content, in part or in whole, is allowed to be used without direct permission from the author.

Don’t want to miss a post? Scroll to the bottom and click “Follow this blog.”

Want to join the mandala of Nine Ways supporters? Follow this link https://ravencypresswood.com/donate/ It’s easy through Paypal, Zelle, and Venmo.

Posted on | Image

← Older Posts
Newer Posts →