The Tibetan Book Of The Dead Part 23

Your mother is the butcheress, Pelkyi,23 Who came here five years ago.

You are the offspring of these outcaste butchers.

Now you have come here - haven't you?

The year is the Water Female Pig,24 And this year your feeding [in the human world] has come to an end.

All those of eastern India Call you 'Red-handed Butcher'; All those of southern India Call you the 'wrongdoing Laksanraka'; All those of western India Call you 'Black Low-caste Butcher'; All those of northern India Call you the 'Black Killer of All'.

Your caste is the black candla caste And your family line is that of wrongdoing butchers.

All generations of your family without exception Will take the path to h.e.l.l.

When you were killing, you seemed happy; When you ate, it seemed tasty, But does it taste so good now?

What use is your clever, slick-talking tongue [now]?

Now the time has come for you to experience suffering, In retribution for the million animal lives [you have taken].

If you don't experience this suffering, Then millions of creatures will have lost everything, And you, Laksanraka, will have gained everything.

As far as retribution for your crimes is concerned, Even Dharmarja with his mighty stature Cannot stop the effects of your negative actions, The greatest of which was burning down the temple, And the smallest of which was the killing of lice.

This is why you have acc.u.mulated [all] these [black] pebbles.

So it is best if you prepare yourself to move on.

[Get ready to] go swiftly on this black path!

[There], the sealed copper cauldron [that awaits you] is wide and deep, The waves of boiling bronze are fierce, The fiery ma.s.s of past actions is intensely hot, And the messengers of Yama have scant mercy.

Dharmarja's att.i.tude is extremely fierce, The weapons of past actions are sharply pointed, And the black winds of past actions are very powerful.

Now is the time for you to go to such a place!

Though I really do have compa.s.sion for you, I am nonetheless very, very satisfied!

You must carry on your back the weight and measure, Which you used as a fraudulent weight and measure!

You must wear at your side the weapons With which you killed many sentient beings!

You cannot deny or misrepresent these things!

Now the time has come for you to go To the citadels of the eighteen h.e.l.ls.

(He begins to lead [Laksanraka] away.) DHARMARAJA:.

Alas! How pitiful! How terrifying!

When one has obtained a human form, One should proceed, with highly purposeful virtuous conduct, On the path of liberation, where inferior rebirths are left behind; And [thus] one is never separated from peace and happiness.

But on this occasion when you obtained a human life, You threw away positive actions like dirt, And seized upon negative actions, For which reason you have wasted this highly meaningful human body, Which is difficult to obtain.

Since you have done nothing at all, other than return empty-handed [from this life], You are [only] carrying the burden of your negative acts! How sad!

Since the actions you have carried out must ripen upon yourself, You cannot be protected even by the power of a thousand buddhas.

So I cannot respond to this, [your appeal], in any way!

Since the results of the premeditated negative acts, Which you carried out when you had freedom, Will all come to ripen upon you, Even though you wail and lament, No one at all should feel sorry for you.

Even though you have hopes in me, I have no means to act in any way.

Since this mirror of past actions, which reflects phenomenal existence, Truly depicts the natural expression of virtuous and negative acts, How can it be that no past actions will appear in the case of wrongdoers?

When the deity who is your good conscience And the demon who is your bad conscience Compare the black and white pebbles of past actions, Happy is the man who has acc.u.mulated virtue!

How very remorseful are you, who have acc.u.mulated evil!

On this dangerous red pa.s.sageway traversed by all, When you are brought to trial by the executors of Yama's rites, Even though you may have been once very powerful, Here, it will be of no avail!

Now is the time for the hearts and lungs of all great wrongdoers to be torn apart!

Since you have practised non-virtue, This reckoning of your past actions Will be quicker and more powerful than lightning, So by fleeing you will not escape, And by showing remorse, this will be of no help!

How pitiful are the human beings of Jambudvpa Who do not strive to practise the [sacred] teachings!

There will be no way of helping them.

This detailed accounting of positive and negative past actions Forbids even the most minute negative deeds - So what are those humans who have no scruples thinking of!

Though the white path of liberation leads to joy, And the black path of inferior rebirth leads to suffering, The humans of Jambudvpa do not abandon negative actions, Nor do they practise positive actions, [And], even though they may feel sadness and remorse, Past actions cannot be remade.

One's past actions accompany one's body like a shadow.

I hold all rewards in respect of positive virtues, And I exact punishments in respect of negative deeds.

Judging the balance and counterbalance, I examine good and bad actions.

So even though you have regrets, I cannot redo anything.

Now, even though I am very merciful, there is still no way that I can help you.

Once you take the black path to the h.e.l.l realms, You cannot be saved, even if you were to be engulfed by the compa.s.sion of the Sublime Ones.

So there is absolutely no way for me to do anything.

The Conqueror has said that sentient beings must reap [the fruits of] their own past actions.

So now the Ox-headed One will lead you away!

May your negativity and obscurations be quickly purified, And may you then attain the ultimate level of the buddhas.

OX-HEADED RAKSA: Since it is your own doing, even though you may have regrets, what is the use of that! As for us, we are not responsible [for your actions]! We have simply distinguished between truth and lies. If you had no responsibility for your past actions, then it would be meaningless for us to harm you. Now, as this is [the outcome of] your past actions, be off quickly!

(Then he leads [Laksanraka] away by a black noose, and the black demon [representing the bad conscience] drives him from behind, goading him along the path represented by the black carpet. Then in a dark room he is subjected to shouts of 'Strike! Kill!', which cause him to cry out in all sorts of ways.) THE SPIRITUAL TEACHER (then makes a detailed elucidation, beginning with the words): O, Children of Buddha Nature, those who have committed evil deeds will be singled out in this manner and their sufferings will be the same [as those described here]. You will definitely have such experiences. So, whether this core dilemma besets you at this time or not will depend on you yourselves. From now onwards, it is therefore important for you to strive after virtue, and avoid negativity, O, Children of Buddha Nature...

ACT TWO.

DHARMARAJA (as he draws a cross on his wooden slate): Alas! Ox-headed Raksa, there is someone from a household in the human world whose lifespan has come to an end. This sign has appeared on my wooden slate.

OX-HEADED RAKSA (calling to the venomous Snake-headed Demon): O Venomous Snake-headed One, look in your mirror! Look and see where the deceased is!

VENOMOUS SNAKE-HEADED DEMON: The land of the one whose time has come, is in north-east India. The city is called Kmarpa.25 His social cla.s.s, among the four cla.s.ses, is the mercantile cla.s.s,26 and his name is the householder, rjta. His lifespan and merits have been exhausted, so the sign of this has appeared on the wooden slate. Now be off, quickly [and fetch him]!

(So, all three, Ox-headed Raksa, Boar-headed Cemetery Spirit, and the demon representing [the deceased's] bad conscience run off, while in their wake, the deity representing [the deceased's] good conscience rushes to his a.s.sistance. As soon as they have found the householder, rjta, in the human world at Kmarpa, the Ox-headed One leads him away and the Boar-headed One holds his arm, as the demon representing [the deceased's] bad conscience chases him from behind. Meanwhile, the deity representing the good conscience offers a.s.sistance as the deceased is brought into the presence of Dharmarja, who questions him.) DHARMARAJA: O, deceased Child of Buddha Nature, have you not come from the human world? There you had a human body endowed with freedom and favourable opportunities, which is difficult to acquire. You have encountered the Buddha's teachings, which are difficult to encounter; and you have been born as a man in Jambudvpa, where it is difficult to take birth. What positive or virtuous past actions have you gathered? When you lived in the human world, did you practise the [sacred] teachings mindful of [cultivating] mental virtues and physical purity? What compounded virtues and attributes do you possess that would enable you to be saved [from rebirth in the h.e.l.ls]? Did you create [images, books and stpas] representative of buddha-body, speech and mind? Did you commission the writing and recitation of the scriptures? Did you mould terracotta imprints? Did you offer water libations? Did you clear rocks from roads? Did you remove bothersome thorns from bad roads? Did you make offerings to those above? Did you bestow charity on those below? Did you scatter barley dough and grain at anthills? What other subtle acts of virtue did you acc.u.mulate, over and above these? Also, did you study, reflect and meditate [on the Buddhist teachings], and did you keep your one-day vows and fasts? Did you receive meditative instruction, empowerments and guidance? What other virtues of this type have you acc.u.mulated? Tell me quickly now! Negative past actions related to the body are killing, of which the greatest offence is the killing of one's parents and the smallest is the killing of lice and nits, stealing, improper s.e.xual conduct and so forth. So what negative actions of body have you acc.u.mulated?

Then the negative actions related to speech are: meaningless gossip, harsh words, slander, lies and so forth. So what negative actions of speech have you acc.u.mulated?

The negative actions related to mind are: covetousness, harmful intent, distorted views, and so on. So what negative actions have you acc.u.mulated mentally?

Also, with regard to the five inexpiable crimes and the five approximate [crimes], what negative or non-virtuous actions have you acc.u.mulated, motivated through body, speech, or mind? Tell me now in clear detail!

THE HOUSEHOLDER SRIJATA (in a terrified and trembling voice): May I speak in the presence of Dharmarja! I am the householder rjta, a citizen of the city of Kmarpa in the north-east of India. I also have female dependants. I was a humble person, self-sufficient in food and drink. I was a faithful devotee who made fulsome offerings to all the fine spiritual teachers who came to my district. I encouraged others to engage in virtuous actions. Motivated by virtue and good intent, I have restored ruined temples, saved many living creatures from certain death, and repeatedly received profound empowerments and guidance. When I travelled around, I cleared dangerous paths; when I stayed [at home] I recited the Six-syllable Mantra, and I kept my one-day vows and fasts. I am a householder who made offerings to the Three Precious Jewels above, and gave charity to those of unfortunate birth below. I am indeed a bodhisattva. This is why everyone calls me the householder Laksmin ('endowed with wealth'). Such is the unbroken sequence of my virtuous actions.

As for my negative past actions, although I had the intention not to harm even a single living being, since I was submerged in the perverse world which is cyclic existence, and I had a son, and in order for him to be able to join in matrimony, I took the lives of ten animals [for the wedding feast]. I confessed the negativity of this action, and recited the Diamond Cutter27 one hundred times.

Then, when I and my neighbours took the lives of many living creatures in order to pay taxes in support of the village community, I too felt much remorse and made confession. Also, since I had lived as a worldly householder, I thought that I must have unintentionally killed [many insects] underfoot and by my hands, for which reason I often felt remorse.

Since the credentials of my virtuous and negative actions are established in these ways, I beg you to consider this conduct and favour me with your compa.s.sion.

DHARMARAJA: Well then, if it is true what you have said, then you have thought well about virtuous and negative actions, and about cause and effect; but I shall consult the mirror of past actions because you human beings are clever liars! (He shows him the mirror.) Look, fortunate Child of Buddha Nature! This mirror of past actions in which phenomenal existence is clearly reflected is clearer than the omniscient eye that perceives the three times. When it manifestly reveals the natural expression of virtuous and negative past actions, whatever you have done in the human world, all the virtuous and negative actions you have committed in the human world, will visibly appear, immediately. So what lies and deceit have you spoken? Look at this mirror right now! (Then, looking at the mirror) Well, the virtuous and negative actions of which you have now spoken are not false. Well done! You will be sent on the white path.

THE BLACK DEMON [REPRESENTING THE DECEASED'S BAD CONSCIENCE]: Hey! May I speak in the presence of Dharmarja! This bad person called the householder rjta, has indulged his whole life in negative actions and has cared only for his own long-term selfish interests. His name is householder rjta, and his nickname is 'monkey-head'. As for this faithless householder rjta, his [birth] year is the year of the ox, his [birth]place is Kmarpa city, and his background is that of the mercantile cla.s.s. He engaged in the following negative actions: Hurrying uptown, he killed his father and quarrelled; then rushing downtown, he fought with his neighbours, he threw stones at the camel belonging to his neighbour rbhadra and although he killed it, he denied his action and lied about it. He pushed the scribe Prajnmati's young elephant over a cliff, and, although he killed it, he denied his action and lied about it. Now, we can compare the pebbles! How will it be possible for him to take the white path? It is utterly appropriate that he should go on the black path. (He pours three handfuls of black pebbles in [to his bowl].) THE WHITE DEITY [REPRESENTING THE GOOD CONSCIENCE]: May I speak in the presence of Dharmarja! The householder Laksmin [rjta] is a most faithful devotee. He has strong interest in the [sacred] teachings and has avoided negative actions. When about five hundred miscreants were brought to trial in the presence of the Mahrja, he offered five hundred srang of gold, and saved their lives. In the Indian city of Kmarpa, the householder rjta alone is one who possesses great faith. Now, we can compare the pebbles! How will it be possible for him to take the black path? He should now set out, guided along the white path! (He pours out about six measures of white pebbles [into his bowl]. ) THE MONKEY-HEADED ELEMENTAL SPIRIT: Deity and demon of conscience, both of you have no need to disagree, because when I raise my scale balance, the measures of virtue and negativity will be determined by the weights. Now, if you look, [the outcome] will be obvious. (He weighs the pebbles, whereupon the white [container] is three times heavier.) DHARMARAJA: Wonderful! Those who have obtained a human body, who delight in the [sacred] teachings, and fully realise their life's potential - as this [achievement] cannot be stolen or s.n.a.t.c.hed by others - will themselves find happiness through their own virtues. With respect to this way of being, such as that of the house holder Laksmin [rjta] - how wonderful it would be if all sentient beings were to do the same! Supplicate Avalokitevara right now, and instantly travel the white path! (Dharmarja prays) I pray to the meditational deity Mahkrunika, at the summit of Mount Potlaka in the east! Grant your blessing that we may realise the nature of mind to be the Buddha-body of Reality! (He then recites the Aspirational Prayer [Calling] to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for a.s.sistance28 and then gives formal introduction to the methods for obstructing the womb entrances during the intermediate state [of rebirth] and for choosing a womb.29 Lastly, he confers the introduction to the methods of transferring [consciousness] to the pure buddha-fields.30 Immediately afterwards, the curtain is suddenly drawn back, and the form of Avalokitevara is vividly displayed. [The householder rjta] is led along the path [of virtue] represented by the white carpet, clad in fine robes, and wearing fine ornaments.) DHARMARAJA (offering praise): O, Child of Buddha Nature, this is how one should serve the purpose of obtaining a human body. Rejoice [in this]! (Then, he recites the following aspirational prayer of Avalokitevara three times.) OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH!31.

May all sentient beings, including you rjta, Be guided on the path by the essence of the Six-syllable Mantra!

May cyclic existence with its three world-systems be churned to its depths, And may the h.e.l.ls be exhausted and emptied!

(He urges [all to recite] that Six-syllable Mantra.) THE SPIRITUAL TEACHER: O, Children of Buddha Nature, behold this distinction between the happiness and suffering experienced by the evil 'Red-handed Butcher' and the faithful householder rjta, in consequence of their disparate acc.u.mulations of virtue and negativity! As we ourselves shall also encounter such experiences soon, it is most important that we strive after virtue and refrain from negativity! (Then, [the spiritual teacher] should confer the empowerment [of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities], recite the auspicious verses, and perform the aspirational prayer for the dedication of merit, followed by the concluding rite.)

COLOPHON.

How wonderful! I, Padmkara, having actually seen the h.e.l.ls, composed this [masked drama] as an adjunct to the teaching of the [Great] Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States, in order to benefit sentient beings of the future. May it be encountered by those who are fortunate!

This concludes the Natural Liberation of the Intermediate State of Rebirth: A Teaching Revealing the Natural Expression of Virtue and Negativity.32 May all be auspicious!33

PART TWO.

Supplement to the Masked Drama of Rebirth

Herein is contained the Supplement to the Teaching Revealing the Natural Expression of Virtue and Negativity in the Intermediate State of Rebirth, ent.i.tled Gong of Divine Melody;1 which is an extract from the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities: A Profound Sacred Teaching, [ent.i.tled] Natural Liberation through [Recognition of] Enlightened Intention.2 I bow down to Samantabhadra and the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities!

THE SCENE.

(In the context of [the masked drama ent.i.tled] A Teaching Revealing the Natural Expression of Virtue and Negativity which is [a.s.sociated with the] Introduction to the Intermediate State of Rebirth, the one called 'the wrongdoing Laksanraka' ('hundred thousand h.e.l.ls') is shown entering the inferior realms. Amidst the thunderous cries of 'Strike!' and 'Kill!' uttered by the executors of Yama's rites, he travels the black path, after which Dharmarja teaches on the disadvantages of committing negative actions to the entire audience a.s.sembled there.3 Following this, the deity representing the good conscience [should appear] in a state of sadness, and should urge [the audience to recite] the Six-syllable Mantra.)

ACT ONE.