Barche Lamsel - The Prayer that Removes All Obstacles

"Barche Lamsel - The Prayer that Removes All Obstacles"

As the New Year unfolds, let us all recite this prayer to remove all inner and outer obstacles on our paths and sufferings in the world.

It is said that this prayer was composed by Guru Rinpoche himself and recited to his heart disciples during his stay in Samye monastery in Tibet. It is a supplication from a student to his/her Guru (Lama) to remove all inner, outer and secret obstacles on one’s path of practice.

Outer obstacles are those that are external to us - such as other people, animals, spirits, elements, etc., that occur to us as a result of our karma or manifestations of our own anger and desires; Inner obstacles are our negative emotions that are developed because of our ignorance and leads us to perceive everything in a dualistic manner. Thus, the Secret obstacle is our ignorance and the root cause of all obstacles.