Plan Ahead to Join Others Worldwide on 2006 Global Recitation Days

Four global recitation dates have been set for 2006, beginning with March 14, when the Sanghata will be recited on the very spot where in India where it was first uttered by the Buddha: at Vulture's Peak itself, in Raja-griha. We invite you to join us to contribute your own voice wherever you are, to make each global recitation dat a particularly powerful day for the Sanghata worldwide. For more information on the Global Sanghata Recitation Days in 2006,click here

In the Words of the Sanghāta:

To arise as a buddha in the world,

supreme joyful effort must be made,

all sentient beings held within one’s care,

and one must teach the Dharma of virtuous action.

On loving thoughts, and likewise too,

on supreme celibacy remain focused.

Bhaishajya-séna, after having heard this speech,

you should practice this supremely.

- Ārya Sanghāta Sūtra

Guide to Reciting

How to Set Your Motivation before Reciting

There are specific ways to set the motivation when reciting sutras, and there are also general ways to motivate for any virtuous practice. First, the general: Before you begin reciting, sit quietly, settle your mind, and then let your heart fill with love and compassion towards all other sentient beings. With a wish to be able to offer them all that would bring them peace and lasting happiness, and to take away all their sufferings, make a determination to dedicate your recitation to developing the inner qualities to allow you to do that.

Next, these three contemplations are recommended for whenever you recite teachings of the Buddha in the Mahāyāna tradition.

1 Think that you are reciting the Sanghāta to all the beings in the place where you are, and also to all the beings in the six realms. In fact, we are always surrounded by others, so you can extend your thoughts to all those in the surrounding areas, countries and continents, and visualize that you are reciting directly to them, for their benefit.

2 Think that you are receiving the words directly from the Buddha. Use your imagination to generate a strong sense that the Buddha is actually teaching you the sutra directly.

3 Think that as you hear each word recited, the meaning is actualized in your mind and you gain perfect understanding.

Begin by generating these visualizations, and then as you recite, from time to time you can silently refresh the visualizations..

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has also described a more extensive way to prepare before reciting the Sanghāta Sūtra. For the extensive practice, click here.