Butterlamp House
In Tibet butterlamps were originally fuelled by clarified yak butter
and the act of using such an ordinary, everyday substance to provide
illumination was seen as symbolic of transforming our ordinary,
everyday mind into a mind capable of the wisdom and compassion of
enlightenment. These days candles are used instead of yak butter, but
the symbolism remains the same.The Samye Ling Butterlamp house was consecrated on New Year's Eve 1999 and dedicated to fostering peace throughout the world. While traditionally butterlamps are lit and prayers are offered in remembrance of loved ones or good causes, it is the wish of Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe Rinpoche that lamp offerings at Samye Ling be dedicated not only to individuals but to all beings everywhere and for each lamp to be a contributing factor for world peace.
Poems by Lineage Masters:
The ground, self-awareness, is utterly luminous wisdom.
It is Prajnaparamita, which thoroughly distinguishes among things.
Its nature is awareness unobscured by ignorance.
It is emptiness and lucidity united, the very nature of luminosity.
The radiant rays of this light fill all quarters of space.
May the merit of this light bring happiness to all beings.
The nature of this light is the very nature of all things.
May the light of the Buddha's wisdom be revealed.
by H.E. the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche
By offering these tranquil and beautiful lamps
In the joyous presence of the perfect Buddha, the King of Illumination;
Gyalwang Karmapa, the Lord of the World;
And all Buddhas with their children,
May the poison of malicious enmity
Never arise in the mind of any one of us.
With loving minds, like the meeting of mother and child,
May all the world be filled with peace and happiness.
by H.E. the 12th Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche