Tshogs zhing
tshogs zhing (pron. tsok shing; Skt. saṃbhāra-kṣetra).[1] Translated as "field of accumulation," "field of merit," etc. The focus of one's prayers, offerings, prostrations, etc., through which one can gather the accumulations of merit and wisdom.[2]
The "field of accumulation" is typically visualized as an assembly of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and/or other deities, and often includes ones teachers and other teachers of the lineage.[2][3][1] Through directing aspiration prayers (praṇidhāna) and making (mainly visualized) offerings towards the "field of accumulation", one can accumulation both merit and wisdom.
The "field of accumulation" is visualized within Mahayana meditation practices such as the seven branch practice (saptāṇga pūja) and within tantric practices such as the ngondro and deity yoga practices.
The particular details of a "field of accumulation" will vary depending upon the particular buddha or deities who are the focus of the practice. In the case of tantric practice, the lineage masters of the particular lineage are often included in the field.
Directing offerings and prayers to a "field of accumulation" is compared to planting seeds in a field in order to grow crops.
Alternate translations
- field of accumulation (Princeton Dictionary, Rangjung Yeshe Dharma Dictionary, etc.)
- basis for the accumulation of merit (Richard Barron)[1]
- field of assembly (Hopkins)[1]
- field of merit (Rangjung Yeshe, et al)[1]
- merit field (StudyBuddhism, James Valby)[1][4]
- refuge tree
- bountiful field (StudyBuddhism)[4]
- etc.
See also
- puṇyakṣetra (“field of merit”)
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
ཚོགས་ཞིང་, Christian-Steinert Dictionary
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Patrul Rinpoche 1998, Glossary, s.v. "field of merit".
- ↑ Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. tshogs zhing.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1
Bountiful field, StudyBuddhism
Sources
Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University
Patrul Rinpoche (1998), Words of My Perfect Teacher, translated by Padmakara Translation Group, Altamira Press
External links
tshogs_zhing, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki
Field of merit, Rigpa Shedra Wiki
Field of accumulation paintings, Himalayan Art Resources- Jackson, R. R. (1992). The Tibetan Tshogs Zhing (field of assembly): General notes on its function, structure and contents, Asian Philosophy, 2(2), 157–172.
- "The bla ma mchod pa tshogs zhing of ghe dge lugs pa tradition", academia.edu
