Seite 363 [363]
OCR
PRELIMINARY NOTES ON TIBETAN AFTER-DEATH RITES AND THEIR TEXTS IN MONGOLIAN BUDDHIST PRACTICE help the deceased ones to better rebirth, to help them to the realm of Buddha through the south gate of his palace by getting them to the blessing of Buddha. Part of the Lxogtoi giinreg ceremony.” The following similar texts are also in use in different temples: Manalin lxog(o), Tib. sman bla’i lho sgo, ‘The south gate of the Medicine Buddha’. This is recommended “for sick people and for those who are suffering. Part of the Manalin doncid (Tib. sman bla’i stong mchod) ceremony.” Jigjidin Ixogo, Tib. ‘jigs byed kyi lho sgo, ‘The south gate ritual performed to Yamantaka’. The description of the text says that “the requester must bring a picture of the deceased”. Xandin Ixogo, Tib. mkha’ ‘gro’i lho sgo, ‘The south gate ritual of the sky-goers / dakinis’. The recitation of this text is recommended “to ensure the future path or rebirths of the deceased.” Lamm Codwin Ixog(0), Tib. bla ma’i mchod pa’i tho sgo, ‘The south gate of the offering for the masters’. The recitation of this text is recommended as an “entreat for Buddhas and lamas for virtues and good fortune. For the deceased.” Of these four three (except for Manalin Ixogo) seems to be used for helping the deceased. — Texts urging the deceased to be reborn in Shambhala mythical kingdom, such as: « Sambalin €ogo, Tib. sham bha la’i cho ga, ‘Ritual of Shambhala’. The recitation of this text is recommended “for the deceased and for merits in the future rebirths”. « Sambalin yeröl, Tib. sham bha la’ismon lam, ‘Prayer of Shambhala’. The recitation of this text is recommended “for the deceased”. [This exists in many variations of different length] — Several from among the variations of texts aimed at restoring health and averting death are also used as after-death rituals: « Texts of rituals aimed at preventing the soul of the deceased form becoming ghosts (cofgor) or souls (siins) not being able to find a rebirth but coming back to haunt are the so called ‘calling back the soul of the dead’ texts. In these, the soul not finding his or her way to new rebirth are called to come back and accept guidance. These texts originally are not for the deceased, but for sick people, and their titles are: » Siins diidax (Tib. ‘chi bslu), ‘Calling back the soul of the dead / sick person or ransoming the soul’. » Süld (asal)/ Süld did(iil)ax, Tib. bla ‘gugs, ‘(Remedy of) Calling back the soul’. The recitation of this is recommended “in case one having problems related to the wind element, to restore one’s health and to revive one’s spiritual strength / vitality. To prolonge life and to have health. In case of losing one’s spiritual strength (süldgüi bolson xünd)”. « Ciwel(Tib. "chi bslu/ ‘chi ba(‘i) bslu ba) texts, ‘Saving one from death by paying ransom / deceiving death’. The recitation of this text is recommended “to getrid of illnesses and sufferings.” (In the different Mongolian temples the following variations of this were found to be used: Dar’ Exin Ciwel / Giwul / cewel, Tib. 361
