Four activities

Four activities (Sk. caturkarman, Tib. ལས་བཞི་, Wyl. las bzhi) — the four activities of pacifying, enriching, magnetizing, and subjugating are presented in the Buddhist tantras as a classification for the rituals, based on the goal of the ritual. They are thus practised as part of the deity yoga of the inner or higher tantras. Practitioners visualize themselves in the form of the deity and train in:

• pacifying (Skt. śānticāra, Wyl. zhi ba) conflict, sickness and famine;
• increasing (Skt. pauṣṭika, Wyl. rgyas pa) longevity and merit;
• magnetizing (Skt. vaśīkaraṇa, dbang ba) the three realms and
• subjugating (Skt. abhicāra, Wyl. drag po) hostile forces,

often through the emanation of rays of light.

Once accomplishment has been reached, these four activities are carried out directly as aspects of enlightened activity for the benefit of others.

Teachings Given to the Rigpa Sangha

• Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche, Lerab Ling, 5 November 2013