★ “The drum represents skillful means and wisdom. All the Buddhist ritual instruments represent skillful means and compassion.”

　

★ To watch the video: 

http://garchen.tw/English/Videos/Ritual_Instruments

　

Dear Dharma Friends,

　

In order for interested disciples to understand the usage and meaning of ritual instruments, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche recorded two short videos in GBI, Arizona earlier this year:

　

1. Instructions on Playing a Drum

2. How to Use a Pole Drum

　

In the video “Instructions on Playing a Drum,” Rinpoche points out the essence to master while playing a drum:

　

“Every move needs mindfulness and attentiveness, they are greatly related. All this is not without meaning. If you maintain a little bit of mindfulness and attentiveness, you will obtain a small samaya.

　

“What is samaya? It's non-distracted mindfulness. Mindfulness and attentiveness are meaningful in the outer, inner, and secret levels. 

　

“The outer goodness is an ornament to the eyes, causing people to generate clear faith. The inner pure mind will have no distraction. 

　

“At the secret level, it will increase unobscured wisdom. This is very important.

　

“If we hit the drum too hard, the sound won't be good. Any ritual instrument that is hit too hard produces bad sound; it's also unpleasant to the ears. This is caused by inattentiveness. Why? 

　

“For example, if a person made mistakes at work, we would say harsh words. If he or she did a good job, we would say gentle words. 

　

“Similarly, we should play the ritual instruments gently. Only when it's supposed to be loud, it's loud; when it's supposed to be soft, it's soft. 

“Whenever we hit a ritual instrument forcefully, it doesn't produce nice music; it will harm the disciples' hearing and we'll look unpresentable.

　

“From the perspectives of the outer, inner, and secret levels, it's disrespectful. Please remember all this over and over again.”

　

We greatly encourage all Dharma friends to watch the video and to master the essence of playing a drum.

　

May all benefit.

　

Garchen Dharma Institute, Taiwan

www.garchen.tw