Introduction

This special fasting and purification practice is performed in conjunction with Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara. It is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. It is also a special method for receiving blessings and improving our experience of love, compassion, and bodhichitta.

Usually this practice is done over two days, with the eight Mahayana precepts being taken at the beginning of each day. On the first day, it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch. On the second day, we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for twenty-four hours. On both days, we do three sessions of the puja – one first thing in the morning, one before lunch, and one late in the afternoon. If we wish, we can repeat the pattern of the two days many times. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can participate in the puja on the second day, provided they take the eight Mahayana precepts on that day.

To set up for the practice, we arrange a shrine with a picture or statue of Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara in the centre. In front of this, on a raised surface, we set out a victory vase two-thirds filled with pure saffron water, and, in front of this, three round, white offering tormas. The central torma, which is the largest, is for Avalokiteshvara, the one to its right is for the general Dakinis and Dharma Protectors, and the one to its left is for the local guardians. In front of these, we set out at least three rows of outer offerings, to the right hand of the Deity. The first two rows are for the in-front-generated Deity, and the third row, nearest the practitioners, is for the self-generated Deity. We fill the rest of the shrine with fresh, pure offerings, avoiding black foods such as alcohol, meat, eggs, onion, garlic, or spices.

On the table in front of the person presiding, we set out the vajra, bell, and rice, and all the accoutrements for offering ablution – an action vase two-thirds filled with water, a stainless container, a small mirror, and a white scarf.

On each day, before the break of dawn, we begin by taking the eight Mahayana precepts according to the sadhana entitled A Pure Life, and then we begin the first session of this sadhana.