vajradhara

Triratna (Triple Gem) Mantra

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The Sanskrit Triratna (Triple Gem/Three Gems) mantra is a universal refuge prayer for all Buddhists, sung in all schools of Buddhism from the Theravada to the Mahayana and Vajrayana. The mantra proclaims the following:

“I go for refuge to the Buddha,

I go for refuge to the Dharma,

I go for refuge to the Sangha.”

Refuge in the Buddha means to acknowledge the omniscient and unshakable nature that the Buddha represents, and to aspire to acquire that state. Refuge in the Dharma means to accept the authority of the teachings and to follow them diligently as a road map to enlightenment. Refuge in the Sangha means to find solace and inspiration in spiritual friends, teachers, and community.

This is a basic interpretation of the mantra as generally understood by most practicing Buddhists. However, as one gains deeper meditative insight, one’s guru will reveal further interpretation, depending on the school one involves themselves in.

Sanskrit:

Buddhaṃ śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi.

Dharmaṃ śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi.

Saṃghaṃ śaraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Pali:

Buddham saraṇaṁ gacchāmi

Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi

Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi

Image link: https://www.himalayanart.org/items/61240

#buddhism #triratna #refuge #dharma

Chaturbhuja (Four-Armed) Mahakala

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Shirts and Logo Analysis

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Our first batch of shirts have arrived and look awesome.   

These will be given out to members, donors, volunteers and collaborators in order to spread not only the sign, but the culture of the Ansuz Society.   

Our hope is that these will be worn with modesty, positivity, and respect.   

For those who would like to purchase a shirt directly, they can be ordered for $20 with free shipping in the USA. Please use the contact form to order. Sizes available are small, medium, and large. Very limited quantity available. 

While we invite everyone to interpret these symbols as they see fit, we would like to offer a brief overview of the design:  

-3 Ansuz runes representing the gods Odin (soul), Vili (will), and Ve (body); the 3 components necessary for human life.   

-the related Sanskrit word ásu, meaning “breath, spirit, life force, life.”  

In regards to the triangular shape, we have a strong emphasis on the fire element, hence one interpretation of the triangle as fire. This fire is being propagated by the breath or wind represented by the Ansuz runes. The upward triangle also has associations with the air element, and therefore, is another representation of the breath, wind, and soul of which Odin is said to have given to mankind. With these connections in mind, this sign can be viewed as an internal flame driven by the winds of inspiration, or, Odin.  

We also believe that all matter is a form of the Great Mother who strives for union with the Great Father (source of consciousness). That said, another interpretation of the upward triangle is to represent the male aspect of primordial awareness; the unmovable, foundational consciousness which exists in all sentient life.  Because of this connection, the upward triangle can also be perceived of as representing Shiva, as his half of the Shatkona is the △ shape, while Shakti is symbolized by the ▽ shape. This primordial awareness, associated with male energy, is called by many names across the world and seen in deities such as Odin, Shiva, and Vajradhara.  

May all beings benefit from these signs. 

Hailaz / Namaste  

-Ansuz Society