DS mantra

Dear Jason,

Thank you for your question. Yes, it can be confusing to figure out what and how to visualise when you are reciting the Dorje Shugden mantra. There are different visualisations during the mantra recitation depending on the form of Dorje Shugden you are concentrating on. Most people concentrate on the main form of Dorje Shugden for their daily prayers, so this visualisation is one that is used the most.

For prayers that concentrate on Dorje Shugden in his main form, such as the Diamond Path (http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/diamond-path-a-daily-sadhana-of-dorje-shugden), you can find out more about mantra recitation and the visualisation here: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/dorje-shugdens-mantra. I have copied the visualisation below for your easy reference.

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Visualisation (main form)

First visualise Duldzin Dorje Shugden (primary form) in front of you at arm’s length. Surrounding him are Shize (peaceful form), Gyenze (increasing form), Wangze (controlling form) and Trakze (wrathful form). Surrounding them are the remaining entourage. At this point we should visualise and believe strongly that Dorje Shugden and our Guru are one. This is very important for the practice of Dorje Shugden, and you should have great faith in this.

You then visualise that lights go out from Dorje Shugden, making offerings to all the Buddhas of the ten directions. The lights gather back into Dorje Shugden, together with the enlightened energies and blessings of all the Buddhas, into the seed syllable “HUM” that sits at the heart of Duldzin Dorje Shugden. This seed syllable represents the enlightened mind of Dorje Shugden. Surrounding this “HUM” is the primary mantra “OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA” which moves around the “HUM” seed syllable in a clockwise direction, which is known as a mantra garland.

Some of the light branches off and strikes the “HUM” seed syllables at the heart of Dorje Shugden’s other main forms as visualised above – Shize, Gyenze, Wangze and Trakze. You should visualise Shize with a white mantra garland circling the “HUM” at his heart and Gyenze with a yellow mantra garland circling the “HUM” at his heart. Similarly Wangze and Trakze have a red and a dark-red mantra garland respectively circling the “HUM” seed syllables at their hearts.

Light of the corresponding colour then shines forth from all five forms of Dorje Shugden and enters the crown of your head, filling your body with light and the blessings of Dorje Shugden. This acts as a request to Dorje Shugden to perform the peaceful, increasing, controlling and wrathful activities. You can think strongly at this time that you have gained the power to easily understand and practice the Dharma, leading to attainments. You can also visualise yourself being healed of any ailments, or being protected from negative influences. Lastly, visualise that all your requests are fulfilled by Dorje Shugden.

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The four cardinal emanations of Dorje Shugden all have their own associated mantras and visualisations as well. See below for links to these prayers, which include the associated visualisations.

Shize – For healing and long life (http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/dorje-shugden/shize-a-practice-for-healing-and-long-life.html)

Gyenze – To increase life, merits and wealth (http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/dorje-shugden-gyenze-to-increase-life-merits-and-wealth)

Wangze – For power and Influence (http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/dorje-shugden-wangze-for-power-and-influence)

Trakze – To dispel black magic and spirits (http://www.dorjeshugden.org/practice/dorje-shugden-trakze-to-dispel-black-magic-spirits)

I hope this helps to answer your question.

Thank you.