Heart Jewel Puja

Please consult the puja timetable for current times
(1 hour)

Heart Jewel prayers combine the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa and the practice of Dorje Shugden in a simple and effective practice.

Through engaging in the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa, we can purify negativity, accumulate merit, receive blessings and develop compassion, wisdom and spiritual strength. By relying upon the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, we can overcome obstacles to our spiritual practice and create favourable conditions for making progress. Together, these two practices are at the very heart of Kadampa Buddhism.

The puja includes a 15-minute period of silent meditation.

We use the prayer booklet Heart Jewel for this puja. Copies are available to use at the Centre, or you can purchase your own from Tharpa Publications in either printed or electronic form: Heart Jewel – Tharpa Publications.

Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja

Please consult the puja timetable for current times
(1 hour)

Wishfulfilling Jewel is a more extensive practice based on Heart Jewel, combining prayers to the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden with additional prayers and offerings.

Through engaging in this practice, we can strengthen our reliance upon Dorje Shugden, overcome obstacles to our spiritual practice and create favourable conditions for making progress on the spiritual path.

On certain occasions, the puja includes a tsog offering – an offering of vegetarian food to the enlightened beings. Taking part in tsog is a special method for accumulating merit and transforming our everyday activities into the spiritual path. If you would like to make an offering, you are welcome to bring vegetarian food.

We use the prayer booklet Wishfulfilling Jewel for this puja. Copies are available to use at the Centre, or you can purchase your own from Tharpa Publications in either printed or electronic form: Wishfulfilling Jewel – Tharpa Publications.

Offering to the Spiritual Guide Puja

Held on the 10th and 25th of each month
(1 hour 35 minutes)

Offering to the Spiritual Guide is a special chanted prayer practice for receiving the blessings of our Spiritual Guide and developing compassion, wisdom and spiritual strength.

This practice includes a tsog offering. During tsog pujas, we gather together to make prayers and special offerings. You are welcome to bring a vegetarian food offering if you wish.

We use the prayer booklet Offering to the Spiritual Guide for this puja. Copies are available to use at the Centre, or you can purchase your own from Tharpa Publications in either printed or electronic form: Offering to the Spiritual Guide – Tharpa Publications.

Tara Puja – Liberation from Sorrow

Held on the 8th of each month
(50 minutes)

Tara is a female Buddha and a manifestation of the ultimate wisdom of all the Buddhas. Her name means “Rescuer” because she rescues living beings from outer and inner fears, protects them from danger and ultimately guides them to freedom from suffering and full enlightenment.

Like a loving mother, Tara provides the conditions we need for spiritual progress and inspires and guides us through her blessings. These prayers include praises to the 21 manifestations of Tara.

We use the prayer booklet Liberation from Sorrow for this puja. Copies are available to use at the Centre, or you can purchase your own from Tharpa Publications in either printed or electronic form: Liberation from Sorrow – Tharpa Publications.

The practice is also included in Modern Buddhism, which is available as a free download.

Powa – Transference of Consciousness Puja

Please consult the puja timetable for current dates and times
(35 – 40 minutes)

Powa, or transference of consciousness, is a special practice performed on behalf of those who have recently died. Through engaging in this practice with faith, compassion and concentration, we make prayers for the deceased to attain a fortunate rebirth or the Pure Land of a Buddha.

The Powa Ceremony can be practised individually or as a group on behalf of one or more deceased people, as well as for countless deceased beings. By engaging in this practice, we also accumulate great merit and create causes for our own future spiritual progress.

We use the prayer booklet Powa Ceremony for this puja. Copies are available to use at the Centre, or you can purchase your own from Tharpa Publications in either printed or electronic form: Powa Ceremony – Tharpa Publications.