What is Dedication?

When virtue and nonvirtue are self-liberated,
the concepts of hope and fear cannot be found.
Nonetheless, cause and effect appear as the infallible play of dependent arising.
I dedicate this within the pristine nature of Dharmakaya
—The Dakini’s Laughter

Dedication is one of the most essential elements of Buddhist practice, but some Westerners struggle with it. Many people in the East understand it easily, because it is part of the culture and they do not have to make effort to figure out what it is. “Dedication” is a translation of the Sanskrit word parinama. There are numerous liturgies and prayers pertaining to dedication, some attributed to the Buddha and some composed by later masters. Every Buddhist endeavor—including practices, sacred projects, and individual practice sessions—ends with a dedication prayer. There is a sense that without the act of dedication, some vital aspect of practice is lacking. Dedication ensures our practice is not tinged with ego or selfishness and is a reminder of the true purpose of such spiritual practice, which is to dedicate our spiritual practice as a cause for bringing about awakening of ourselves and all living beings, for love and compassion to grow in the hearts of all beings. Dedication permeates every aspect of Buddhist practice, especially in the Tibetan tradition.

Excerpt From
Into the Haunted Ground
Anam Thubten

Photo credit: mtw128