Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

Behind one are different classes of beings in concentric
circles. In the nearest one are all the hell-beings, beyond
them the hungry ghosts, then the animals, then all
mankind. Further out are the asuras and most remote are
the devas. When one takes the refuges, all these beings
are visualized as doing likewise. When the meditator
performs the prostration, repeating the hundred-syllable
mantra, all beings in these six realms make their
salutations. When confession is made, all beings also
confess their misdoings.
Taking refuge and the formula for bodhicitta should be
repeated together, according to my view. It is very
important that the bodhicitta stages not be neglected just
because they are only four lines long and have no
special mantra. This is often the case and they are only
run through quickly and then forgotten. Their real
import should be developed by the use of these four
foundations, so essential for successful practice of
Tantric Buddhism. Where there is no bodhicitta
developed, the four foundations are not established
firmly, and there is no real Vajrayana. If the four
foundations are well practiced, the whole system of
Vajrayana may be practiced without any obstacles.
Regarding the number of times these four foundations
should be practiced, the old school said ten thousand is
enough, while the new school emphasizes tenfold of the
old, as the sins of the practitioners are greater and their
merits are fewer. Thus, I agree with the new sect's
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