The Benefits of Circumambulations

Concerning the benefits of circumambulating the supports for worship and stpas which are representations of the Sugatas enlightened body, speech, and mind, in the Verses of Circumambulating Stpas, it says: What are the benefits of circumambulating The stpas of the Protector of the Universe? As for that, with mere words It cannot be demonstrated well, even over the period of a whole day. And: The praiseworthiness of any person who circumambulates The stpas of the Protector of the Universe, Even if it were expressed for a million eons, Could not be exhausted. And: Through circumambulating stpas, The eight non-freedoms are abandoned. Through circumambulating stpas, One will be endowed with mindfulness and imbued with intelligence, Have good complexion and wisdom, And all will make offerings to one. Through circumambulating stpas, Gods and likewise humans Will gain long life thereby, And attain great fame as well.

And from the Vinaya: Any skillful person who, with intensely clear mind, Walks around the stpas of the Buddha, Will be like unto one hundred thousand times The weight of the gold in Earths rivers. And from the Circumambulation Dhran: ADORATION TO THE BHAGAVAN, THE TATHGATA, THE ARHAT, THE PERFECTLY COMPLETE BUDDHA RATNADHVAJA, JEWELED VICTORY BANNER!
[CHOM-DEN-DAY DE-ZHIN SHEK-PA DRA-CHOM-PA YANG-DAK-PAR DZOK-PAY SANG-GYAY RIN-CHHEN GYEL-TS'EN LA CHHAK TS'EL LO]

NAMO BHAGAVATE RATNAKETU RJYA/ TATHGATYA/ ARHATE/ SAMYAKSAMBUDDHYA/ TADYATH/ OM RATNE RATNE MAHRATNE RATNA VIJAYA SVH By reciting this and circumambulating even once, it causes it to become immeasurable. So it is taught. In this way, if one circumambulates a representation of the Sugatas enlightened body, speech, and mind while reciting this dhran-mantra, the benefits become much more powerful. Since it taught thus, it is important that everyone do so. From Opening the Door to the Excellent Accumulations: A Compendium of Benefits Compiled by the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute. Translated by Erick Tsiknopoulos.