Introduction

By engaging in this practice of self-initiation, those who have completed a close retreat of actions of Heruka body mandala can maintain their Tantric vows and commitments and the blessings of the four empowerments of the body mandala that they received from their Spiritual Guide.

In front of a shrine containing a statue or picture of Heruka, you should set out three tormas. These can either be made in the traditional way according to the illustration on page 6 or can consist simply of any clean, fresh food such as honey or cakes. The central torma is for the Deities of the great bliss wheel – Heruka Father and Mother and the four Yoginis; the torma to its left is for the supramundane retinues of Heruka; and the tormato its right is for the mundane retinues of Heruka. In front of the tormas, set out five rows of offerings.

The first row, nearest the shrine, is for the accomplished mandala. This row starts from the left side of the shrine, your right, and includes AHRGHAM, PADÄM, ÄNTZAMANAM, PROKYANAM, PUPE,DHUPE, DIWE, GÄNDHE, and NEWIDE. The second row is for the supramundane and mundane guests, the third is for the Deities of the vase, and the fourth is for the empowering Deities. These three rows also start from the left side of the shrine, and include AHRGHAM, PADÄM, PUPE, DHUPE, DIWE, GÄNDHE, and NEWIDE. The fifth row, which is for the self-generated Deities, starts from the right side of the shrine and includes AHRGHAM, PADÄM,ÄNTZAMANAM, PUPE, DHUPE, DIWE, GÄNDHE, and NEWIDE.

The tsog offering can be set out at any suitable place in front of the shrine, and can consist of clean, fresh foods such as cakes, biscuits, honey, and fruit. You can also offer a tsog offering torma made in the traditional way according to the illustration on page80. If you possess them, you can also set out the empowering ritual objects: the vajra, bell, crown, khatanga, damaru, kapala, Brahm in thread, and secret substances for the secret empowerment.

On a small table in front of your meditation seat, arrange from left to right your inner offering, vajra, bell, damaru, and mala; and a small conch shell, a miniature vajra with a long mantra thread of five colours wound around it, and two vases containing saffron water – the victory vase adorned with a vajra, and the action vase adorned with a curved knife (see illustration below).

Having made these preparations, you should begin the actual practice with a pure motivation and a happy mind. If you are unable to prepare the shrine and the offerings as described here, simply imagine that they are actually present in front of you, and practise the sadhana with strong faith.