The Departing Chant of Ultimate Bliss1
In the profundity and brilliance of space
Compassion and wisdom arise simply and free of fetters,
The fundamental nature of enlightenment.
Let our confusion be resolved.2
We honor open, luminous space
And rejoice in virtue.
< We call forth the luminous light of compassion >
We offer drinking water, flowers, incense, light, perfume, food and music as our direct experience of open, brilliant space.
< Pause for offerings of the senses…restart after the gong >
May < name > and all sentient beings who have passed and departed from their physical lives be liberated.
May they be released from confusion and attain ultimate freedom at once.
May they be free from attachment.
May they attain a state of liberation.
May the basic goodness of community provide eternal comfort for them.
May the blessings of wisdom lead them on their journey.
May their relatives and companions proceed together3 on their journey.
< Let go into the light >
Namo Amitabhaya HRI
< Repeat during transition & lighting of a cremation fire or photo4 >
< Let dissolve into silence >
Notes by Lama Lekshe
1.
2. I have changed this word in the original translation to ‘resolved’ from ‘forgiven’.
3. I have changed this from ‘with them’ to ‘together’ to possibly clarify that they are together in mind, not in death.
4. You can put a photo of the deceased in a fire and watch it burn at this point as a way of bringing the impermanence of all things to mind.