Foundation Consecration ~
Inviting the Feminine Wisdom Energy
The preparatory practice for consecrating the new building foundation began the morning of November 29, 2007 with a morning fire puja, a naga offering and Mahakala practice with Lama Lodru Rinpoche, Lamas Pema and Yeshe. This was followed by the protector practice of Bernagchen on Friday night. One attendee described Friday night as, "a marvelous way to focus us for the following consecration ceremony on Saturday."
The Vajrayogini practice began at 6 a.m. Saturday with a handful of KSC members and the eight chanters led by Lama Lodru Rinpoche. The chanters were Lama Pema, Lama Yeshe, and Lama Gyeltsen of California, and senior students of Rinpoche's from California: Cone Beckham, Bill Minasian, Katherine Sei, and Henry and Mody Hollomon. Throughout the day, more than 200 people attended the ceremonies.
Vajrayogini, also called Dorje Naljorma in Tibetan, symbolizes the female aspect of enlightened wisdom. Vajrayogini ranks first and most important among the dakinis, and is considered the Essence of all Buddhas.
Throughout the morning, chanting continued, with observers joining in, as they were able. All present were encouraged to think kindly of all beings, and to think positively about the beneficial activities to be carried out in the planned building.
Following a lunch break, the Bernagchen protector practice was performed. The even-pitched chanting was periodically punctuated by musical offerings of cymbals, bells and drums. Periodic prostrations were made by the ritual master to show respect and humility. Observers joined the chanters in the tossing of rice as an auspicious offering.
Late afternoon brought the Varjayogini Tsok, an elaborate food offering. The consecrated food was distributed to all present who participated in sharing the blessings of the practice. Thereafter, participants were asked to place a piece of cedar into the vault — a three-foot square concrete vault that had been erected to hold the mandala and other sacred objects. This allowed each observer an opportunity to contribute to placing positive energy into the building.
Finally, two KSC members, Clay Colley and Michaeldavid Uri, lowered the three-dimensional mandala, which was assembled and blessed earlier, carefully into the vault. The mandala contained many objects sacred to the Vajrayogini practice.
Lama Lodru Rinpoche contributed additional vases filled with precious objects. Three vases were placed in each side of the vault, along with auspicious flags in the four corners.
Lama Lodru gave his final blessings and remarks. He chose these words for the sangha: "I see unity and togetherness in everything you do. Today you have proven your unity will bring this building into reality."
The vault has been sealed with a steel cover, and will lie underneath the ground floor's concrete slab. This slab, and further construction of the ground floor, will occur after the New Year.
When the building is complete, the male energy of the skillful means of compassion will be invited into the building in a complementary ceremony. We look forward to seeing everyone on that next auspicious day.
