About the Prayer and Its Author

The Prayer: Aspirations for Mahamudra

Aspirations for Mahamdura was written by the 14^th century teacher Rangjung Dorje, the 3^rd Karmapa, probably at Tsurphu Monastery in Central Tibet. A concise yet accessible summary of sutra mahamudra, this prayer has been studied extensively and recited daily in monasteries throughout Tibet for almost 700 years. Several English translations^⁠1 have been made, of which the one here is among the most recent.

Structure

The prayer is composed of twenty-five four-line verses. The prayer falls easily into four sections:

1. Introduction

After the customary homage, the first four verses describe the essential conditions necessary for spiritual practice. 

2. Understanding

Ten verses present the philosophy or worldview on which mahamudra practice is based.  

3. Practice

The essential points of practice are described in  the next seven verses.

4. Expression

Three verses describe the attainment of mahamudra as the union of emptiness and compassion, and the prayer ends with a verse of dedication.

The Author: Rangjung Dorje, Karmapa III 

Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339), the 3^rd teacher to hold the title Karmapa, was a noted master in both the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. A man of prodigious learning and a prolific author, he was an authority in astronomy and medicine in addition to his extensive learning in Buddhist contemplative practices, scriptures, and commentaries. 

Several of his writings became part of the standard curriculum for monastics and practitioners in the Karma Kagyu lineage. The prayer presented here, Aspirations for Mahamudra, is chanted every day at most monasteries. His reformulation of the practice of chö (Tib. gcod) is widely used in retreats. His poems Distinguishing Consciousness from Wisdom (Tib. rnam shes ye shes ‘byed pa) and A Treatise on Buddha Nature (Tib. de bzhin gshegs pa’i snying po gtan la dbab pa) are fundamental texts, the former summarizing The Five Teachings of Maitreya, the latter the teachings on buddha-nature.

Links

“Rangjung Dorje, 3rd Karmapa Lama.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Feb 2024 last updated.