During the Grand Opening and Teaching Event at Tsoknyi Gechak Ling this fall, we warmly invite you to take part in the traditional long-life Body, Speech, and Mind offering, either in person or from afar.
This brief guide explains the meaning of the ritual, why we do it, and how you can participate.
What, Why and How?
To make this offering, each person in a group of four carries and offers one specific ritual object, representing the Three Vajras – enlightened Body, Speech, and Mind – along with a mandala plate, which is a symbolic representation of the entire universe.
This ceremony is a long-life offering ritual (Tenshuk). Each object presented to the Lama acts as a tendrel (auspicious interdependent connection), because the primary goal is to anchor the Lama’s mind to this physical realm.
A Mandala Plate (representing the universe): The mandala represents the entire cosmos—the continents, oceans, sun, moon, and all the riches of the universe.
The Intent: Offering the entire universe to the Lama creates the physical container for the master’s longevity. The student is declaring: “There is nothing lacking in this world. We offer you everything beautiful, peaceful, and abundant so that your mind will find joy here and choose to remain in this physical world to guide us.”
A Buddha Statue (representing vajra body): The sacred image represents the nirmanakaya (enlightened body).
The Intent: The statue is offered as a request that the Lama remains in an unshakeable, healthy and long-lasting physical form to guide beings.
A Sacred Scripture (representing vajra speech): A dharma text represents the sambhogakaya (enlightened speech).
The Intent: The scripture is offered as a heartfelt supplication for the Lama to continuously turn the wheel of Dharma and shower nectar-like, profound teachings.
A Stupa (representing vajra mind): A stupa represents the dharmakaya (enlightened mind or absolute nature of reality).
The Intent: The stupa represents the unchangeable, unmoving, and indestructible nature of reality (vajra mind). By offering the stupa, you are visualizing it as a literal anchor or fortress. You are matching the unshakeable stability of the stupa to the Lama’s life-force, praying: “Just as the dharmakaya mind of the Buddha is eternal and unmoving, may your mind remain bound to your physical body for the benefit of all beings.”
Two Ways to Participate
You may contribute any amount to a shared offering or sponsor and present a complete Body, Speech and Mind offering. Contributions for either option may be made online or in person. However, anyone wishing to join in-person must arrange it at the Tsoknyi Gechak Ling donation office, even if the contribution was made online.
Join a shared offering
Anyone may contribute any amount to the shared offering. Pundarika Foundation will combine these contributions and, for every $1,000 received, sponsor one complete Body, Speech and Mind offering on behalf of everyone who contributed.
This option is especially intended for those who cannot be present at Tsoknyi Gechak Ling, although those attending may also participate.
Since these are arranged by Pundarika Foundation, contributions must be made online.
Sponsor and present a complete offering
Those attending in-person may sponsor and present a complete Body, Speech and Mind offering. It may be sponsored by one person or jointly by a group of up to four people. They can be presented to Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Khamtrul Rinpoche, or both. The minimum for one complete offering and presentation is $1,000 and may be contributed online or at the Tsoknyi Gechak Ling office.
Each offering is presented by four people: one carries the mandala plate, while the other three carry the representations of enlightened body, speech, and mind. If your group has fewer than four people, we will invite other community members to join you.
To arrange a complete offering, please visit the Tsoknyi Gechak Ling office between October 26–28. All processions must be arranged at the office by the end of October 28, even if the contribution was made online.
The Body, Speech and Mind offerings will take place daily during the nine days of teachings.
How Your Donation Will Be Used
Donations made through Pundarika Foundation or at the Tsoknyi Gechak Ling donation office—including contributions connected with the Body, Speech and Mind offering—will support the Grand Opening and Tsoknyi Nuns, including their daily needs and the continued development of Tsoknyi Gechak Ling, Tsoknyi Gargon Ling, and Tsoknyi Pema Ding.
One of our current priorities is constructing a new shedra, which will provide an expanded home for the nuns’ advanced Buddhist studies. [Learn more about the shedra project.]
Thank You
Whether you offer dana directly to Rinpoche, contribute to the Grand Opening and the Tsoknyi Nuns, or participate in the Body, Speech and Mind offering, we are grateful for your generosity.
