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Instructions for the Care and Use of the Wealth and Earth Vases |
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 Many of our Friends and Treasure Vase supporters have asked us to explain in some detail exactly how to put their Wealth and Earth Vases to work. For that reason, we have talked to Rinpoche and he has given us these words of advice to pass on to you.
These vases are valuable works of sacred art and should be treated with the respect one would bestow upon any special spiritual object. However, there is no required sadhana or other daily commitment needed to make use of this vase. With all of the Wealth Vases that we ship, we do include a short prayer to White Mahakala, along with his mantra. While you may wish to recite this prayer and mantra, it is not necessary for you to do so. If you follow the simple instructions mentioned below, no further effort is required. All of us at Ewam Choden hope that these instructions will accomplish their purpose: to bring an end to suffering and to increase abundance and harmony for you and for all that lives.
We would like to remind all of our Treasure Vase owners that it is
crucial to never remove the cloth covering beneath the ceramic lid of
the vase. This cloth is known as the Dorje Gya Dom (Vajra Seal). It's
purpose is to ensure the vase’s effectiveness by protecting Lama Kunga
Rinpoche's personal blessing. Rinpoche consecrates each vase himself,
and the Vajra Seal maintains the integrity of this empowerment. If you
remove the Vajra Seal, you will render these blessings useless.
Therefore, be sure to never remove the Dorje Gya Dom.
For this reason, some owners decide to glue the ceramic lid of the vase
onto the vase itself. This can be done by dripping wax around the lip
of the ceramic lid, or by using a household glue such as Elmer's Glue
or Super Glue. But be careful not to break the Vajra Seal while you are
gluing the lid on your vase!
Caring for the Wealth Vase
The Wealth Vase should never be put on the floor. It should also be
kept out of the reach of children and others who may damage the vase,
treat it poorly, or break the Dorje Gya Dom. Consistent with its value
as a spiritual object, the Wealth Vase should be kept in a secure place
of respect within your house. If you maintain a Buddhist altar in your
home, this is the best place for your vase. Otherwise, be sure that it
is safe from the careless and the curious, and that it is displayed in
a respectful fashion. Placing the vase on your kitchen counter or on
your dining room table, for example, is not recommended.
In Tibet, householders once used vases like the Wealth Vase to protect
and guard their valuables. To keep them away from bandits, these vases
were often buried in or around the home. Today, this practice is not
recommended for a consecrated Wealth Vase. Unlike the Earth Vase, it
should never be buried.
Burying the Earth Vase
Although it is not necessary to bury the Earth Vase, some people prefer
to do so. However, there are some special steps you should follow if
you plan to do this.
First, do not bury the vase directly in the ground. Instead, purchase a
terra cotta flower pot large enough to hold the vase securely. You
should also purchase a terra cotta drainage plate that is usually
placed beneath the flower pot.
When you are ready to bury your vase, place the Earth Vase inside the
flower pot and insulate the vase securely with juniper leaves and other
tree leaves. These leaves make great packing material and are
appropriate for protecting your Earth Vase once it is in the ground.
After carefully packing the vase, cover the flower pot with the
drainage plate (it helps if you can find a plate with a lip that will
fit tightly around the edge of the flower pot). For extra security, you
can wrap the pot and its lid with duct tape.
The location where you bury the vase is very important. You should
choose a spot on the north side of your house or property. However,
never bury the vase near sewer lines, septic tanks, or under a walkway.
The best place is to bury the vase next to a tree. If you have a
special garden or some other treasured location, you might want to
consider burying the vase there, as long as you keep in mind the
restrictions mentioned above.
The Earth Vase should be buried approximately two feet below the
ground, and be sure to burn plenty of incense while you bury the vase!
Lama Kunga Rinpoche would like to remind Earth Treasure Vase owners
that it is not necessary to bury your Earth Vase. However, if you
decide not to bury the Earth Vase, you should follow the instructions
concerning the care of a Wealth Treasure Vase, and display your Earth
Vase in the same respectful fashion.
Rinpoche hopes that these instructions will answer the questions of our
many Treasure Vase owners. But if you have any other questions
regarding our Treasure Vases, or if you would like to share stories
about experiences with your Treasure Vase with us, please contact us at
(510) 527-7363. And whether you own a Treasure Vase or not, Ewam Choden
Tibetan Buddhist Center prays that sickness, poverty, and warfare will
subside wherever you may be, and that Dharma and good omens will
increase.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 December 2005 )
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Treasure Vases