Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

Alone, oh! do not let me gain
The Full Enlightenment.
In this way I stress that mandala-offering is for others,
not for ourselves; and it is certain that in this Kali Age it
is difficult to find good Dharma instruments. The object
of the offering is the trikaya, for things are offered to
each Buddha-body, and the subject also keeps a will to
become the trikaya. Thus this offering is important both
for the Dharma instruments and for Enlightenment,
though many hold mistaken ideas on this matter.
The Buddha preached on one occasion: "There may
come a time when, in a great famine, only one grain of
rice will be sold for one jewel—so expensive will food
be. Yet if a man or woman has taken refuge, then he or
she will not be out of food." Then what need is there to
offer the mandala for selfish ends?
Now we come to practice.
2. Practice
Mr. Chen fetched a rug and spread this on the floor.
He then brought his silver mandala on a shallow
tray and two small baskets. He then sat down on the
rug and gave a running commentary. He said, "I
have my own experience with the mandala and so I
shall show you my way of offering it. First take out
the contents of the mandala."
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