On most Sundays and other special Buddhist days, Kushok leads us in Pujas. Please check our calendar for details.

What are Pujas?

Pujas are meditation practices that include taking refuge, generating an altruistic heart, making offerings, reciting prayers of request, chanting mantras while visualizing oneself as the deity, and dedicating the merit. In dharma centres, these practices are done in a group in order to increase the benefits of the practice.

Tara & Chenresig Puja

On the weekend closest to the 8th Tibetan lunar day we recite Tara and Chenresig pujas. Tara, or as we recite – Cittamani Tara, brings quick success in all that we do and meditation on her can help clear away any obstacles that we are facing. Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion) brings great blessings to all beings and meditation on him can help us to develop an altruistic heart that works solely for the welfare of others. We recite "The Inseparability of the Spiritual Master and Chenresig" composed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the Chenresig meditation. By doing this practice we are able to unite our mind with His Holiness' ocean-like mind of wisdom and compassion, receive his blessings, and share them to bless all sentient beings.

Lama Chöpa Puja

On the weekend closest to the 15th Tibetan lunar day we receive commentary on the Lama Chöpa text composed by the 1st Panchen Lama Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen. On actual Wheel Turning Days and Ganden Ngamchöe we recite the Guru Puja and make an elaborate Tsog offering to honour the founders and teachers of our lineage – those wisdom beings who carry on the teachings from generation to generation and who continue to guide and inspire us in our spiritual endeavours today. In particular, we pay homage to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet - the living incarnation of wisdom and compassion.

Medicine Buddha Puja

On the weekend closest to the 22nd Tibetan lunar day we recite Medicine Buddha short ritual from the sutra. This meditation is performed specifically to request healing and good health for all sentient beings. We focus on sending healing light rays out in all ten directions to bless all sentient beings and free them from all suffering and illness. During the puja we recite the aspirations of the Eight Medicine Buddhas to remind us of the powerful aspirations they made to benefit all beings.

Vajrasattva & Palden Lhamo Puja

On the weekend closest to the 30th Tibetan lunar day we recite Vajrasattva (Buddha of Purification), Chenresig (Buddha of Compassion), Palden Lhamo (Dharma Protector), and Dzambhala (Wealth Deity). During this meditation we first cleanse all our negativities through Vajrasattva practice. Then we generate ourselves as Chenresig and while holding divine pride emanate light rays to benefit all beings. Next we request Palden Lhamo to help protect the dharma and help it flourish. Finally we make requests to Dzambhala for the material support needed to sustain the dharma.

KALACHAKRA PRACTICE GROUP

Students who have received the Kalachakra Initiation from His Holiness the Dalai Lama or another qualified Tibetan Buddhist master may attend these monthly teachings. Kushok offers commentary on how to do the Kalachakra Six-Session Guru Yoga Practice and a yearly one-day practice retreat on the Kalachakra Six-Session Guru Yoga and Tsog Offering.