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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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ice, representing the two stores of merit <strong>and</strong> of wisdom.<br />

The sun <strong>and</strong> the moon are represented by circles of the<br />

thumbs <strong>and</strong> little fingers, <strong>and</strong> the rest are like the four<br />

continents. The two ring fingers pointing upwards st<strong>and</strong><br />

for the cosmic mountain, Sumeru. After offering the rice<br />

in this way, scatter some from the right h<strong>and</strong>, uttering<br />

the following gatha:<br />

Earth, the foundation, has been purified<br />

With incense, Sumeru, the continents four,<br />

The sun <strong>and</strong> the moon, I offer up to thee,<br />

Together with the Pure L<strong>and</strong>'s radiant store.<br />

May all sentient beings, that suffer pain,<br />

Everlasting Supreme Enlightenment attain!<br />

This should be repeated during every kind of m<strong>and</strong>ala<br />

which is offered, <strong>and</strong> not only with this mudra-m<strong>and</strong>ala.<br />

6. The Objects Offered<br />

The offerings may be considered under the usual four<br />

headings:<br />

a. Outwardly. Food, palace, house, tonics, medicines,<br />

<strong>and</strong> all the precious things one has—these are offered<br />

for worldly benefits.<br />

b. Inwardly. Br<strong>and</strong>y, whisky, <strong>and</strong> other fine spirits, the<br />

five nectars, <strong>and</strong> the five meats—such offerings are<br />

made only in the Vajrayana <strong>and</strong> may be divided again<br />

746

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