Migtsema (Praise to Je Tsongkhapa))
The Great Embodiment of Compassion, Wisdom and Power
This is a traditional Tibetan chant dedicated to Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419), one of Tibet’s greatest religious reformer and founder of Gelukpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Initally composed by Je Tsongkhapa for his teacher Rendawa Shonu Lodoe (1349-1412), the latter insisted that Je Tsongkhapa himself was worthier of the praise. He thus modified and rededicated this prayer to Je Tsongkhapa, and thereafter it became one of Tibet’s most widely recited prayers. Popularly known as “Mig-tse-ma”, meaning “unconditional love and compassion”, the stanza praises Tsongkhapa as an embodiment of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), Jampelyang (Manjushri) and Chakna Dorje (Vajrapani), Tibet’s three principal Buddhist deities who are considered as the enlightened manifestations of compassion, wisdom and power respectively.
“[You are] Avalokiteshvara, the great source of limitless compassion,
Manjushri, the supreme lord of immaculate wisdom,
And Vajrapani, the invincible vanquisher of all evils.
The crest-jewel of all scholars in the Snow Land,
O Tsongkhapa Lobsang Dakpa, to you, I humbly pray.
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May the supreme jewel bodhicitta
that has not arisen arise and grow,
and may that which has arisen not diminish,
but increase more and more.
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This prayer is chanted by founder and resident teacher Geshe Lama Konchok.
Maha Tare Buddhist Centre Singapore
www.mahatare.org