Empowerments in the Vajrayana

An empowerment is sometimes required to participate in a particular ritual or engage in a particular meditation practice. The empowerment introduces one to the meditation deity and authorizes one to do the practice of that deity. In addition, an empowerment possesses two other qualities. It provides a special blessing that cannot be obtained elsewhere and is a supreme method of purification.

Although one may have received the empowerment previously, it is traditional to take an empowerment at every opportunity because of this special blessing. In the profound path of the Vajrayana, the Lama confers the empowerments which mature, the instructions which liberate, and the blessings which sustain and inspire one's practice. Because of its power to purify obscurations and plant the seed of fruition, an empowerment can and should be taken at every opportunity.

An empowerment is the most powerful method of purification. In order to attain Buddhahood it is necessary to purify our negativities and defilements.

At KDC we are extremely fortunate to have Venerable Lama Tsang Tsing in residence. He is a highly qualified and developed Lama who teaches and transmits the pure, authentic Dharma. Lama Tsang Tsing has received empowerments from an unbroken lineage of High Lamas and has maintained the lineage with pure, unbroken samaya. It is solely with our benefit in mind that Lama offers empowerments so that we may receive the blessings and purification necessary to reach the supreme state of Buddhahood.

To prepare oneself to receive an empowerment, teaching or engage in a puja, please plan to arrive at the KDC shrine room at least ten minutes before an event is scheduled to begin.