Yonge Khachab Rinpoche

Life-Supporting Talisman (bla gnas)

• Internally this term refers to the seminal points (thig le) or subtle generative fluids within the body which support or sustain the life-essence in its cycle through the monthly course of the lifespan principle (tshe rtsa). Externally, it frequently refers to a sacred object, a semi-divine animal, or a sacred power place, which are imbued by means of sympathetic magic with the ability to protect a given individual- frequently a king or potentate, or even a nation state. For example, Lake Ya-'brog gYu-mtsho on the borders of dBus and gTsang provinces is considered to be the life-supporting talisman of Tibet.