Saṃcodana
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
saṃcodana (T. bskul ba; C. qing zhuan falun 請轉法輪). Literally, "a request," "encouragement," "urging," "exhortation," etc. One of the seven branches (saptāṇga pūja ).[1]
In the context of the seven-branch practice, this refers to a "request [to turn the wheel of dharma]".[1][2]
The Library of Wisdom and Compassion (Vol 2) sates:
- Requesting Dharma teachings counteracts abandoning the Dharma and creates the cause to receive teachings in the future. We must not take our present good fortune of encountering teachers and teachings for granted, but appreciate and take advantage of them; requesting teachings is one way to do this. Requesting the buddhas to turn the wheel of Dharma — to teach us the path to awakening — also creates the cause to receive teachings in the future. Whenever possible attend Dharma discourses given by qualified spiritual mentors. As a beginner, study books that give you a general overview of the path. As you advance, delve into the sūtras, the great Indian commentaries, and commentaries by other Buddhist sages.[3]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1
bskul ba, Christian-Steinert Dictionary
- ↑ Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. List of lists, "seven-branch service".
- ↑ Dalai Lama & Thubten Chodron 2018, Chapter 6.
Sources
Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University
Dalai Lama; Thubten Chodron (2018), The Foundation of Buddhist Practice, The Library of Wisdom and Compassion, Volume 2, Wisdom Publications
