Blessing (Rab-nay)

Rab-nay is a ritual for consecrating a Buddha statue, blessing a new temple, meditation room, house, apartment, or activity. It calls forth the enlightening influence of the Buddhas to help bring success at the start of any new endeavor.

More information about Rab-nay in Essential Mantras for Holy Objects (statues, stupas, and tsa-tsas) by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

The specific text and prayers required to perform the final consecration is referred to as Rab-Nay. There are three versions of Rab-Nay – abbreviated, middle, and extensive:

Abbreviated version. This is done on the basis of refuge, bodhichitta, and a guru yoga (e.g., Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga). Then, the buddhas of the consecration are invoked, and they request that the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions come and abide with that statue until it is destroyed. The consecration verse(s) is/are recited three times. This is supplemented by a few other verses. Then the mantra of dependent-arising is recited three times, followed by other prayers and mantras, and finally, verses of auspiciousness. The short consecration ceremony takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

Middle version. This is a more elaborate version of the short Rab-Nay wherein more extensive offerings, etc. are done. The middle version takes approximately 2–3 hours.

Extensive version. The extensive version takes three days. This is rarely done, except for very large statues or stupas, and it is very difficult to find all the substances required to do it. If the extensive version is done, then special effort is made to find all of the required ingredients so as to make the ritual extremely precise and complete.

Logo

To subscribe to the GVC Newsletter click on the button below: