From the 39th Annual Buddhist Summer School (Online)
January 10, Lecture Hall 1
In Shantidevaʼs The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicaryavatara) are sections called “The Seven- Branch Prayer”. This prayer is an instruction for practice that is essential for all who tread the path of Mahayana and Vajrayana
The most effective way to accumulate merit is considered to be the seven-branch prayer, a series of seven practices, each a greater source of merit than the previous. The seven branches are making offerings, taking refuge, confessing misdeeds, rejoicing in others merit, requesting the buddhas to turn the wheel of dharma, supplicating them not to pass into nirvana and making dedications. Shantideva writes in the first person, making the offerings and so forth himself. But he is also teaching by example, showing us how to rouse Bodhichitta and take the Bodhisattva vow. These practices are ideal as the underlying practice for Bodhisattva activity and as the basis for all Vajrayana sadhanas.
Sam Bercholz, the founder of Shambhala Publications, is a life-long Buddhist educator. He holds the lineages of Karma Kagyu and Dudjom Tersar Nyingma. He has been a close disciple of Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and was empowered by both of them to teach buddhadharma.
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