Visiting The Nechung Oracle – The Spiritual Protector of the Dalai Lama Recently, I had the honor to attend a ceremony and receive a special blessing from Nechung Oracle, the State Oracle of Tibet. The Nechung Oracle is considered to be the spiritual protector of the Dalai Lama, and he is the head of the Nechung Monastery, residing in the Dalai Lama’s compound in Dharamsala, India. In the spirit of continuation, I am sharing this so that you might also experience the benefit of having your obstacles removed and, in the words of the Oracle: ‘As you are opening yourself to this type of thought, you will overcome personal pain. You will receive blessings that have the power to purify and cleanse one’s self.’ Three days after this experience, I had a shift in my life that indeed manifested as the removal of an obstacle. I got the (right) answer to a question that had been nagging me for months; one that had inflamed into the kind of problem that wakes you up in the middle of the night praying for a solution. And, I got my answer! I did have to take action, but the right steps became exquisitely clear and they led me to a path that feels joyful. The Oracle’s blessing was a transformative experience for me, and it is my sincere intention that you will experience clarity in your life too. To my knowledge, I was the only person taking notes, and no one recorded the Oracle’s teaching in entirety. I took notes at this event because last year, after attending a special teaching given by the Dalai Lama at his home in Dharamsala - someone asked me what he said, and I really could not remember. I didn’t want that to happen again! It’s also rare to have a photo from this type of experience. In Dharamsala, at the Dalai Lama’s compound, all cell phones and cameras are checked in at the gate - no recording or photography allowed. The Nechung Oracle spoke about the core philosophies of Buddhism, plus he told the story of the discovery of a sacred dagger, the one that was used for the blessing ceremony. After his teaching, the Oracle performed a blessing ceremony for everyone present; about 100 people. Many thanks to The Sacred Space in Summerland, CA for hosting this event on August 4, 2015. ___________________________________________________________ The Oracle’s teaching was spoken in his native Tibetan language, and presented through a translator so some of the words are out of context or repeated. Also, I was not able to write everything, but this is what I could collect of his words: ‘There is a larger number of animals as compared to humans. All animals, large to small, desire satisfaction and happiness. Animals want to be happy, but they do not know how to create happiness. And, animals do not know how to eradicate pain and suffering. But, in comparison, we as humans have more opportunity to overcome pain. It is a blessing to be human. Buddhism says being born as a human being is precious and if we use our intelligence wrongly there is a greater price to be paid than would be for animals. Tigers kill to eat, but have no motivation to harm. Humans must use intelligence wisely; they can create many troubles and conflict. And, there are consequences and outcomes when we humans don’t apply intelligence. We must use human intelligence wisely. But being born as a human is a very difficult thing to attain, so we need to be mindful of that. So, therefore it is important we think about our actions and the consequences. We must rejoice at being human. All religion is in one way or another helping; all beliefs deserve honor and respect. So, Buddhists believe that Masters come to teach in many forms and ways because people have different dispositions of thinking. Bodhisattvas come in many forms to address different ways of thinking. The Padmasambhava tradition is one of blessing transmission. Padmasambhava in Tibet in 8th Century left hidden treasures, so that later on someone could come and reveal texts and teachings. There are 3 forms of this teaching: 1) The Farther teaching is from Master to student and comes down through a lineage. 2) The Closer has no master or teaching, but is from a given source found at a location and the source is reveled. 3) Visionary teaching; visions are revealed and the person becomes a teacher. The blessing of today is in the form of a ‘Closer’ blessing. The Closer blessing comes from hidden objects from Padmasambhava in 8th century. In the early 1949’s a dagger was revealed by a Master named ‘Treasure Revealer’ his given name was Trung Lingpa. At the time of the 13th Dalai Lama was a man also named ‘Treasure Revealer’. And, then during the time of the 14th Dalai Lama was a man with the same name; Trung Lingpa, also called ‘Treasure Revealer’. Trung Lingpa revealed many objects and treasures in the 1940’s. The Oracle has personally met these Treasure Revelers and witnessed as they extracted from the earth, water, or rock. This treasure (the dagger used for the blessing) was revealed from a boulder, and there were many people present to witness the object being revealed or extracted from the rock. He (the Oracle) has spoken with them, in particular on the 5th month / 10th day of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Lion Jumping to the Sky is the name of the rock that held the dagger. So, then had many groups of people been to see this dagger which was known as one of Padmasambhava. It was Padmasambhava that carried and put the dagger inside of the rock. The dagger extruded about 4 inches from the rock, and was loosened through touch. Everyone in the group was given a chance to remove the dagger from the rock. At this time, everyone was present with the Treasure Revealer. There was a well-known medium present, also a Tantric master famous for making rain. They all tried to pull the dagger from the rock, but could not. Then, one monk named ‘the Fortunate One’ was able to retrieve the dagger. Then the Treasure Revealer told ‘the Fortunate One’ that the use of the dagger would do much good in the world. The monk who retrieved the dagger from the rock, ‘the Fortunate One’ offered it to the Oracle at that time. The monk named ‘the Fortunate One,’ the one who originally extruded the dagger from the rock presented the dagger to the Oracle because the Oracle and the monk both had the same name of ‘the Fortunate One’. In 1959, when the Tibetans had to flee, the Oracle took the dagger with him. The Oracle has received and given many initiations and empowerments. Therefore, when we do this type of blessing it is important to focus on triple effort: purification mantra and clear concentration makes for a powerful blessing. When the dagger touches one, the person wants to have positive thinking and recite the mantra. Concentration is through pure intention and motivation and ultraistic thinking. So, focus and make a commitment: ‘that I will not waste my time in my remaining years on earth; I want to leave a positive legacy. I will do something for others also, utilize life, contribute to society, and I will implement this in my life.’ This sense of responsibility contributes to the blessing. So, therefore have pure motivation and intention that your actions will be positive. You want transformation from the dagger blessing and gradual transformation. You want to say: ‘from now on, from this time forward, I will do this for others.’ Go forth with this thought – how to benefit others. Whatever action you will carry forth, have this projection of positive thinking in order to receive the blessing. Obstacles will be subsided by this blessing as you make a commitment to transform your thinking. Any belief system applies to positive thought. You can make your request through prayer to any God, Deity, or faith you have. The ceremony begins with a series of activities to achieve a spiritual state. They are: Om chanting / Ceremony / Recitation / Bell Ringing Playing a small drum / recitation of Mantra The dagger will bestow blessings and remove obstacles and unwanted events will be purified. As humans we have obstacles and challenges such as sickness and diseases that are hard to treat or cure. Diseases, mental sickness, challenges, mental hardships, mental pain that has no substance, the dagger blessing can cure. Think of a power beyond your power. That will help your mental purification. This blessing will help subside physical pain, mental pain, obstacles, hindrances that are a negative presence yet hard to figure out. This type of blessing (dagger) will ease such suffering. Commit to be: ~ A good person ~ Beneficial to the world As you are opening yourself to this type of thought, you will overcome personal pain. You will receive blessings that have the power to purify and cleanse one’s self. ‘ Account by Maya White (www.mayawhite.com), ceremony attended August 5, 2015, Summerland, CA .