Kathok Rigzin Chenpo Rinpoche :
In the degenerated age, six types of omens arise:
(1) The Buddha’s blessings do not remain
The supports for the body (of the Triple Gems) are Buddha statues; the supports for the speech are Buddhist scriptures; the supports for the mind are stupas etc. When sentient beings begin to lose faith in making offerings, then the qualities and blessings in these Buddha statues and supports naturally dissipate and vanish. This is the meaning of “blessings do not remain”.
The blessings and qualities of the Buddhas appear for the sake of sentient beings. The Buddhas themselves have already transcended all mundane qualities and passed beyond the desire or wish for anything. In order to benefit and liberate beings, they manifest all kinds of miraculous powers, skilful means and all the other qualities.
When sentient beings possess faith, even the seed syllable of Tara “TAM”, or the seed syllable of Vajrasattva “HUNG” can represent all the Buddhas and be the object of faith for making offerings. With faith, one can make offerings to even a rock that is taken to represent all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and one will receive all the Buddhas’ blessings and qualities all the same.
When we create Buddha images and statues nowadays, the purpose is to allow people with faith and devotion to make offerings so that they are benefitted. Sentient beings who see the Buddha’s image, hear the Dharma or circumambulate the stupas create positive roots of virtue… (but) when sentient beings lack faith, these qualities of Buddha images and statues naturally fade away…
(2) The earth does not retain its essence
The essence of earth such as gold etc has, in many places, been extracted and refined. This is to deplete the earth’s essence and is extremely damaging to the environment. Therefore, earth does not retain its essence.
(3) The Dakinis and Protectors are not able to protect the Terma teachings
In the time of Buddha Shakyamuni and Guru Rinpoche, many teachings have been hidden in the four elements, waiting for the right time and conditions to appear to benefit many sentient beings. But when the right time arrived, if the person with the right karma did not appear, then it is not possible to retrieve these termas. The conditions have then been spoilt. Once the right time has passed, the qualities and power of these treasures will naturally disappear. This is the meaning of “Dakinis and Protectors not being able to protect the Terma teachings”.
(4) Sentient beings are not able to trust each other
Sentient beings do not protect their commitments. They make promises but do not have the integrity to carry out their promises. Therefore, between friends and family, they have no way to trust each other. They are often suspicious and doubtful of each other.
(5) The Arhat-like Vinaya Master is not able to keep his precepts
Some Vinaya Masters, due to various environmental factors and their own mental afflictions, are not able to maintain pure precepts.
(6) The ordained nuns are unable to remain chaste
Due various inner and outer factors, some nuns are unable to uphold the vows of remaining celibate. They are unable to protect their bodies etc.
When these omens arise, then there will be many misfortunes and disasters all over the world. There will be many conflicts and fighting between people. In the Vajrasattva Tantra, it is stated, “This is the time when Vajrasattva and Dzogchen is propagated.” The present times are already like this. In fact, this time has long arrived, and we are already a little late. Therefore, everyone must quickly engage in the practice of Vajrasattva.
