Another Mantra Project?In September 2006, while in Gyuto Monastery in Sidhbari (near Dharmsala) presenting His Holiness the 17th Karmapa with documentation of the successful achievement of the BMI, Vic Gabriel asked if there was anything else we might do at this time. The request was that we join in the recitation of the mantra of Guru Rinpoche, which was to be the choice for the Kagyu Dhundrup (intensive prayer session.)
Vajra Guru is a way that we can refer to Padmasambhava. Vajra here refers to the extra-ordinary methods employed in his establishment of Buddhism. Guru means "teacher," with the connotation of "spiritual mentor." In the Tibetan language, the meaning is conveyed by the word lama.
The mantra is relatively long in comparison with the Karmapa mantra, so we first thought that a reasonable objective would be 100 million, the traditional "very large amount" in India, Tibet and China. On July 1, 2007 we joined with participants of the Tsurphu and Rumtek practitioner groups to undertake the accomplishment of that number of benza guru mantras, and only two weeks later, that objective was achieved as Tashi "Gen-la," secretary of the Rumtek Laypersons' Association affirmed in a message to us. He also mentioned that
In hopes that through the application of extraordinary means we can somehow alleviate this sad situation, we will persevere - - - One Billion ... we can do it again!Let us carry on to a thousand million, ie. 1 billion. We encourage everyone to participate. Please designate an email report of a recent new total, or any questions about this project, by using VGP (or, VGM, as some prefer) in the Subject heading. You can use the email link found at the foot of any page in this web site.
About Similar RequestsOther high lamas -- for example, Trulshik Rinpoche and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama -- also request that students recite this mantra and for the same purpose. That is, for overcoming obstacles to harmony. We are not engaged in competition. If you are accumulating "Benzar Guru" mantras at the request of Trulshik Rinpoche, HH Dalai Lama or another lama, we would also be happy to receive notice of your monthly recitations. The objective and purpose is the same. Whether Nyingmapa, Sakyapa, Kagyupa or Gelugpa, we all recite the invocation to Vajra Guru Rinpoche, especially on the 10th of the lunar month. Among Mahayanists, all mantras are dedicated to the benefit of sentient beings everywhere. In the case of someone reporting the same total to lamas of two or more denominations, the total can be dedicated in the following way: As an example, we think / say, "This is dedicated to all beings and in particular, HH Dalai Lama and HH Karmapa." All Tibetan denominations and lineages recognize the efficacy of Guru Rinpoche's mantra in overcoming obstacles to the flourishing of the Dharma and to the restoration of peace and harmony. No empowerment is required to proceed. "Guru Rinpoche" is one of the names by which Padmasambhava (8th century,) who is acknowledged a Second Buddha, is called. He is also called Padmakara and a number of other names besides. Each refers to a particular role that he played in order to firmly establish Buddhism in the land of Tibet.
The Power of Guru RinpocheOne must recognize the fact that Tibet is a mere few hundred miles from northern India, where Buddha Shakyamuni lived and taught, yet for well over twelve hundred years Buddhism made little impact in the Land of Snows. Therefore, if it had not been for Guru Rinpoche's determination we might never know the full extent of the transmission of Buddha-dharma, for in no other land was the entire system preserved in detail. And it continues there right until our own day. (Although we who live outside Tibet have a greater responsibility now than ever before.) Therefore every practitioner of every level, school, denomination and lineage, has a heart connection to this greatest Vajra Guru. Indeed everyone, whether he or she is "officially" associated with Buddhism or not, is welcome to take part. What is the mantra?
Om Ah Hung, Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi, Hung! Many Tibetans say benzar instead of vajra. Just do as you prefer or as you have been taught. There is no significant difference.
About the Vajra Guru Mantra
Among the Karma Kagyu lineage every second year (it alternates with the Shi Tro mantra,) it is recited at Rumtek Monastery as part of the Dhundrup that takes place in the 9th lunar month for 5 days (9th - 13th days.) It is also recited on the 10th day of every lunar month by most
Himalayan Buddhist lineages.
Who is The Vajra Guru?
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We designate this mantra project, VGP, for "Vajra Guru Project." 
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