This practice is the very essence of Kadampa Buddhism. In the first part of the prayers we practice the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa, in which we purify negativity, accumulate merit, receive blessings, and cultivate compassion, wisdom, and spiritual strength. We then pause to enjoy silent meditation on the stages of the path, Lamrim, and (more…)
The Tara Puja, Liberation from Sorrow, which includes a special prayer Praises to the Twenty-one Taras composed by Buddha, is performed regularly at Kadampa Buddhist centers worldwide. Tara is a female Buddha, a manifestation of the ultimate wisdom of all the Buddhas. Each of the Twenty-one Taras is a manifestation of the principal Tara, Green (more…)
This weekly practice is the very essence of Kadampa Buddhism. In the first part of the prayers we practice the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa, in which we purify negativity, accumulate merit, receive blessings, and cultivate compassion, wisdom, and spiritual strength. In the second part we make requests to the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to (more…)
The practice of relying upon a Spiritual Guide, or ‘Guru Yoga’, is the root of the spiritual path and the foundation of all spiritual attainments. In Kadampa Buddhism, Guru Yoga is practiced in association with Je Tsongkhapa, an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri. The principal Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa is Offering to the (more…)
The practices of Buddha Heruka and Buddha Vajrayogini are the Highest Yoga Tantra practices of Kadampa Buddhism. The practice of Buddha Heruka is explained in Geshe Kelsang’s book, Essence of Vajrayana. and the practice of Buddha Vajrayogini is explained in the book Guide to Dakini Land. Before engaging in either of these practices it is necessary (more…)
Through practicing transference of consciousness, known as powa, with faith, compassion and concentration we can transfer the consciousness of those recently deceased to a higher rebirth or to the Pure Land of a Buddha. The Powa Ceremony can be done either by a group of practitioners or individually, on behalf of one or more deceased (more…)
This is a monthly practice of making offerings and requesting the Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden, to remove obstacles and to gather all favorable conditions for our spiritual practice. This practice includes a tsog offering. For tsog pujas, we gather together to pray and make special offerings. You are welcome to bring a vegetarian food offering (more…)