The sacred complex in Sani, with its ancient gompa and stupa is supreme because they purposely sit next to one of the eight most important charnel (burial) grounds in this world. This charnel ground is known as “Pervasive Bliss” and sits in the northwest of ancient India. Historic Masters and practitioners of all kinds made pilgrimage to Zanskar to meditate on this important sacred burial site (charnel ground). Two of the most important Vajrayana practitioners were Padmasambhava and Naropa.
This extremely ancient and sacred site sits next to the Kanishka stupa and Sani Gompa and is marked simply by a small fire hearth within a small circular whitewashed walled area that has ten standing stones of ancient rock engravings of deities in a pre-tibetan style, resting upon it. The area is in need of restoration and protection so that this entire complex continues to be recognized and valued for its spiritual significance.
We invite you all to join and support this endeavor and gain merits in collective karma! This is not only a great opportunity to protect and preserve this ancient sacred site, it is also a unique way of connecting to all the past Great Masters!
Story of the Eight Great Charnel Grounds
There are known to be eight Great Charnel Grounds in this cosmos. Each of the charnel grounds mark the place where a body part of the ancient God Rudra fell after being subdued by Chakrasambhava (Heruka and his consort Vajrayogini).
Rudra was originally in the retinue of Mahadeva (an ancient God with strong desirous attachments who was subdued by Heruka and Vajrayogini). Rudra remained a great and powerful God, yet unenlightened as he was fully attached to his violence and power. Many suffered as he promoted violence and unethical behaviour. Chakrasambhava rose again and subdued Rudra and his consorts with the power of enlightenment. Rudra’s mind became enlightened and his body parts fell and became charnel grounds in eight places on this planet. The four energy centres of heart, head, navel and private organ fell in the cardinal directions while the remaining limbs fell in the intermediate directions. At each of these places a tree and other signifying features arose and around this a burial place. Charnel grounds are terrifying places, full of decomposing bodies, wild animals, wandering ghosts and bodies of the dead. Sometimes they are also described as groves with pleasant flora and fauna under open skies. For especially Vajrayana practitioners their terrifying nature is a place of practice to come to know the deeper meaning of impermanence and bring one to the blissful awakening of the enlightened nature of mind.
Northwest Great Charnel Ground – Dechen Dalwar in Sani Zanskar
Padmasambhava journeyed and practiced at each of the eight charnel grounds. From the southernmost charnel ground of Kula Dzokpa (in current day Sri Lanka) he became known as Nyma Ozer. Then he travelled to Akanishta, the pure land of Samantabhadra, where Nyima Özer directly received the teachings of the Great Perfection from the primordial buddha.
Next, Padmasambhava journeyed to Dechen Dalwa, the third of the eight great charnel grounds in current day Zanskar. Here, as in the other great charnel grounds, a host of monstrous beings were engaged in all kinds of frightening activities. Padmasambhava practiced in Dechen Dalwa, Pervasive Bliss, for five years, turning the Wheel of Dharma. As a result he transformed the raw and vibrant energies of these terrifying beings into the nectar of his realization and assured the welfare of others. Padmasambhava here attained the first level of a Vidiyadhara and became known in this manifestation as Guru Loden Choksé, Wise Seeker of the Sublime—the embodiment of sharp intelligence.
Meritorious Offerings
This site one of only eight most holy charnel grounds on this planet and is a place of deep spiritual practice and blessing. It therefore important to restore and protect, not just for the local community but for all of us in this world today.
Offering, when made with a pure heart, is a uniquely powerful way to generate limitless virtuous karma and to benefit all beings in this suffering world. In this case you will honour the great spiritual Masters, whose perfect qualities continue to impact us and our planet.
Protecting this site will, for ourselves and our loved ones, help those who are deceased, extend lifespans, protect from illness and obstacles, remove hindrances to our dharma practices, and develop a healthy, stable mind.
You may wish to forward this to your family and friends. All are welcome to contribute.
Photos of the Sani site and Guru Padmasambhava
