Symbolism in the 10 Offerings - Diamond Sutra Veiled Meaning

Diamond Sutra - Chapter 15

In all cases an offering to another Human Being is a sacrifice to the Buddha Body, or the Corpus of humanity as one being.

1. Incense. The finest, most expensive incense should be offered to the Buddha.

Symbolism: The universal symbolism for the burning of Incense is prayer rising to heaven. The best prayers are those offered as intercessory, or for the benefit of others. "“Ox-head Sandlewood incense, your gift, involving considerable sacrifice on your part, could be considered sincere." The Aleph (OX) is the first letter of the Aleph Bet. It represents all other letters, creation given to Mankind and the strength of a house. In James 1, we are told that the only true religion is that of service to the orphans and widows. As Aleph is the strength of the house, it is the universal symbol for the Father. What does an Orphan and Widow without? The Father. This offering is the highest offering.

2. Flowers. The finer the flowers that you offer to the Buddha, the greater the merit and virtue you receive from the offering.

In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals.

How is enlightenment expressed to others? Action.

3. Lamps. If you light lamps before the Buddha, next life your eyes will be bright. You will be able to see the things other people cannot see and know the things other people cannot know. You will be able to attain the penetration of the Five Eyes, the heavenly eye, the Buddha eye, the dharma eye, the wisdom eye, and the flesh eye.

Matthew 5:16 - 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Lighting a lamp for another person is opening eyes to the higher truth of the mortal coil. Although death will arrive for us all, lighting the lamp in life is the vision to see past the illusions of darkness.

4. Necklaces. Rare jewels and gems may be placed before the Buddha as offerings.

-The Jewels
--How the Jewels Are Born
---The Birth Process

5. Jewelled Parasols. Items used in adornment of the Buddha hall are also an acceptable offering.

The parasol or umbrella (Skt. chattra; Tib. gdugs) is a traditional Indian symbol of both protection and royalty. The ability to protect oneself against inclement weather has always, in all cultures, been a status symbol.

Protection for others is an offering to the body of mankind. How do you use your jewels to cover others in life, assisting them toward the end of suffering? A covering is a warm blanked to keep your neighbors warm, given from the jewels you possess.

6. Banners and canopies. Banners made of cloth which has been painted or stitched with adornments, or wooden plaques which have been carved with inscriptions, are offerings appropriate to place before the Buddha. You may also hang canopies like the Great Brahmà Heaven King’s net canopy which is circular and adorned with jewels.

When constructing a banner, a person gives a piece of the self to the people served. A banner becomes the mark the Saint was present in the lives of others, becoming for them, the recognized sacrifice of the Heart. We carry others in us. As fact, all others are in us continually, latent within us as relatives of ourselves. The Religion of the Heart is not to gain merit, but the sacrifice of one's self for the benefit of all. The treasury we give from is the same treasury we give to. There is no attachment to the banner, but only the faith that the Way is carried on in the lives of others for the benefit of all.

7. Clothes. When you make or buy fine clothes you may place them on the altar before the Buddha prior to wearing them. Only upper garments should be offered. Although the Buddha cannot wear the clothes, the offering is a gesture to express the sincerity of your heart.

In Genesis 2, Adam was formed Naked (Arummim). Satan was made Cunning (Arum). The nature of gaining clothing is the work to overcome our Accuser in life (Conscience). We each have this Cunning Adversary to overcome. If you get the general idea so far, the path and way of the Buddha Body you occupy is the development of the Bodhi Mind. How the Mind is Developed at Right Angles - Read the comments...

8. Fruit and food. Food should be placed before the Buddha prior to being eaten. This offering as well is a gesture of respect.

Food is knowledge. Being placed before the Buddha is the offering of service from each of the steps above. The opening lines of the Sutra are explained here: LINK Place what you have before others (Buddha) first, then take what you need only. Be the last to sit, the last to eat and the last one working to clean the table.

9. Music. Making temple includes beating the wooden fish, playing the drum and bell, ringing the small bells, striking the gong, and singing praises. Music such as this is an offering to the Buddha.

Here, we have harmony and the sounds made by the mind creating as nature was created. Above, there are 8 steps to this process bringing the true mind to work in the world, but you can't understanding this apart from the one thing you need to know to see this step clearly.

10. Joined Palms. The tenth kind of offering is simple and does not expend any energy. This is merely placing your palms together as an offering.

What is the sound of one hand clapping? As all things are in uniform relation to all other things, we must find Yoga (Unity) with others. How is this accomplished? Muni is a word meaning the Sage, Master, Teacher and the Duty (MUNI) of the Buddha Body.

ComMUNIcate. With Muni. Bringing from within to the outside. Sharing and giving. Give it all away.



The Tree of Life is all around you. Bear Fruit on your branch.

a reply to: DayAfterTomorrow

Give it all away.

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (MARK 10:25).

The fact that you think you have anything to give away makes you a rich man.

Why do you believe that you have to do all those things for Buddha?

originally posted by: Itisnowagain
a reply to: DayAfterTomorrow

Give it all away.

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (MARK 10:25).

The fact that you think you have anything to give away makes you a rich man.

Why do you believe that you have to do all those things for Buddha?

It will be helpful to read the thread. Buddha is defined in the thread. Giving is the other half of practicing an instrument. Amateurs practice to get it right. Professionals are Masters of the instrument, practicing to never get it wrong. Sitting is only half of meditation. Prayer is only half of true desire from the heart.

I can tell you, but these are only words. I show you and you see. When you do, you understand.

- I hear and I forget. I see and I learn. I do and I understand-

Realization is not enlightenment, but a step toward. Enlightenment is only half the journey. Liberation is not for you alone, but the work to bring the assembly with you. 10 Steps to the end.

Although death will arrive for us all, lighting the lamp in life is the vision to see past the illusions of darkness.

What is an 'illusion of darkness'?

Death will not come - this is a lie - a misconception. No thing was ever born so no thing will ever die.

originally posted by: Itisnowagain
a reply to: DayAfterTomorrow

Give it all away.

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (MARK 10:25).

The fact that you think you have anything to give away makes you a rich man.

Why do you believe that you have to do all those things for Buddha?

Why to the Buddha? For recognition of the body under the mask of a named thing (Tao te Ching).

Another Mirror:

Colossians 1

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Relatives are in the Absolute. Absolute is in the Absolution.

a reply to: DayAfterTomorrow

Do you know what 'Buddha' is? What does that word 'Buddha' point toward in your opinion?
Let's try to communicate and have a discussion instead of you telling me stuff.

originally posted by: Itisnowagain

Although death will arrive for us all, lighting the lamp in life is the vision to see past the illusions of darkness.

What is an 'illusion of darkness'?

Death will not come - this is a lie - a misconception. No thing was ever born so no thing will ever die.

Have this conversation first...

Then have this conversation. Know the dog with you the entire time. Who was he?

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Relatives are in the Absolute. Absolute is in the Absolution.

God is what is seeing and knowing this that is appearing - and that is all there ever is.
There is nothing individual - this is complete and whole right here and right now as it always was and always will be.
'Who' could ever do anything right or wrong - there isn't anyone!!
The belief that there is a separate you doing makes the energy contract and thoughts about wrong doings and right doings happen - it's a joke.

a reply to: Itisnowagain

Read the thread first, then we can avoid asking questions that are already answered.

a reply to: Itisnowagain

I shall call you dayafteryesterday, since it's always now again. If only someone named inthepast would drop by, we would be complete.

a reply to: DayAfterTomorrow

I ask questions because I don't trust what you write. I want to test to see if you actually know what you are talking about - but I have not heard you speak yet - just knowledge from 'Others'.

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
a reply to: Itisnowagain

I shall call you dayafteryesterday, since it's always now again. If only someone named inthepast would drop by, we would be complete.

Can you see why I don't trust you? No integrity - no honesty - having fun when challenged - avoidance.
Deny ignorance.

originally posted by: Itisnowagain
a reply to: DayAfterTomorrow

I ask questions because I don't trust what you write. I want to test to see if you actually know what you are talking about - but I have not heard you speak yet - just knowledge from 'Others'.

Each of the 10 points are from others. All commentary is mine.

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
Each of the 10 points are from others. All commentary is mine.

If all these rituals are done ....then what? What is one hoping to get?
Maybe I ask these questions because you may not have really considered them before.

a reply to: Itisnowagain

Humor is compassion. I was trying to show respect by sowing what we have in common. You and I are 2 of the 10 directions. In the Sutra linked. Which direction does the author leave out in his list? Page 110. Diamond Sutra Complete

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
a reply to: Itisnowagain

Humor is compassion. I was trying to show respect by sowing what we have in common. You and I are 2 of the 10 directions. In the Sutra linked. Which direction does the author leave out in his list? Page 110. Diamond Sutra Complete

I do not feel that you have respect because I don't want you to keep implying that I need to read or learn something - you pretend that I am inferior.

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
a reply to: Itisnowagain
I shall call you dayafteryesterday, since it's always now again. If only someone named inthepast would drop by, we would be complete.

This is already complete. But concepts like yesterday, past and future are believed and something other than what there IS, is believed.
There is only what is happening - no one can do any sin because what is happening is ALL there is. This is it. No scripture or writing will ever get you to what you seek.

originally posted by: Itisnowagain

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
Each of the 10 points are from others. All commentary is mine.

If all these rituals are done ....then what? What is one hoping to get?
Maybe I ask these questions because you may not have really considered them before.

Not rituals, but the Religion of the heart. Men of Heart were know as those who walked away from ritual and formalism, which is another form of Dharma (an outer husk).

For the body, see 1 Corinthians 12, or see Colossians 1:15-17. The concepts of Buddhism are not a mute idol to worship, but the Spirit of Righteousness (Eight-fold path) and the Way of the early Christians. Paul knew this about the outer dogma and ritual, which is why he spoke of the one body we all form.

Rather than accuse me, teach. ComMUNIcate.

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
The concepts of Buddhism are not a mute idol to worship, but the Spirit of Righteousness (Eight-fold path) and the Way of the early Christians. Paul knew this about the outer dogma and ritual, which is why he spoke of the one body we all form.

Rather than accuse me, teach. ComMUNIcate.

But it is not about all that stuff really - it is about the end of suffering for you. Isn't it?
Life is heavy and you want to travel lighter, don't you?

originally posted by: Itisnowagain

originally posted by: DayAfterTomorrow
a reply to: Itisnowagain
I shall call you dayafteryesterday, since it's always now again. If only someone named inthepast would drop by, we would be complete.

This is already complete. But concepts like yesterday, past and future are believed and something other than what there IS, is believed.
There is only what is happening - no one can do any sin because what is happening is ALL there is. This is it. No scripture or writing will ever get you to what you seek.

Zen has a way of robbing you of the eternity beyond this dispensation of time. The goal is lost on the one sitting only. There is a larger reason for the Robe, the bowl and the journey. Individuation is not just for one being. Abraham did not sacrifice Issac, but required Issac as the next leg in his offering. It's for both Father and Sons. All of us in fact. Collective good.

Hebrews 7

4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Born Again. There is a reason. The lesser (Saint) is the wool for the new Robe of the Greater. Yes, Christ wears the robe of the suffering of the Saints. He also gives that new Robe (body) and Crown (mind), then casts it on the crystal sea. See the book of Revelation. A transparent sea allows all lives to be known as one, but this is not Yachid (single, bad), but Echad (Unity of the parts as All in All). This is one hand clapping.

Go back and read #10 and #9 in relation. The lesser also blessed by the greater. Relative. ONE. Collective by each.