Tersar Lujin

Chöd (Severance) can be understood as the ritual enactment of the truth of profound emptiness, which was taught by the Buddha in the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) scriptures. The practice involves an elaborate visualization in which one’s own body is offered to four classes guests: buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other exalted beings; Dharma protectors endowed with wisdom; all sentients beings, who have undoubtably cared for us as mothers at some point; and finally evil forces or dangerous spirits, who cause us and the world all sorts of harm. The purpose of this practice is to destroy or “sever” the four maras and especially one’s ego-clinging. Chöd was introduced to Tibet by the Indian master Padampa Sangyé (d. 1117) and his Tibetan disciple, the yogini Machik Labdrön (1055–1149).

The root text of the following Chöd liturgy, entitled Tersar Lüjin, The Chokling Tersar Liturgy for Giving the Body, was initially taught by Guru Padmasambhava and was subsequently revealed as a treasure by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870) as part of the The Guru’s Heart Practice: Dispeller of All Obstacles (Tukdrup Barché Kunsel). The Chöd practice belongs to the teachings related to Guru Dechen Gyalpo, King of Great Bliss, the twelfth of twelve emanations that form the Tukdrup Barché Kunsel mandala. Khenpo Karma Rinchen Dargyé (b. 1835), one of Chokgyur Lingpa’s main disciples, compiled the Tersar Lüjin by taking the treasure sadhana as a basis and adding supplementary verses and prayers to the root text. This booklet presents the main Tersar Lüjin and additional prayers as arranged by Kyapjé Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche for group practice.