Pujas
Akshobya holds regular sessions of chanted prayers, pujas, which are combined with meditation, visualization and mantra recitation.
All prayers and meditation practices are recited in English with beautiful, easy-to-learn melodies and CD accompaniment. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to be seated and relaxed at the start of the session.
Usual weekly practices are as follows:
Heart Jewel
Heart Jewel is the essential practice of Kadampa Buddhism. Prayers and requests are made to the Spiritual Guide Je Tsongkhapa, who is the emanation of Buddha Manjushri. By relying on this practice we can purify negativities, accumulate merit and receive blessings. In this way, we will naturally accomplish all of the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment.
This practice includes a twenty minute Lamrin meditation on the Stages of the Path.Wishfulfilling Jewel
Wishfulfilling Jewel is a more extensive version of Heart Jewel. Prayers and requests are made to Je Tsongkhapa and the Dharma Protector, Dorje Shugden, to purify negativity, accumulate merit and protect practitioners from obstacles to their spiritual practice.
Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog
During this version of Wishfulfilling Jewel , a special food offering known as a tsog offering, is made to the assemblies of Buddhas to create a vast amount of positive energy for ourselves and others. All people attending a puja are welcomed to bring an offering. If possible, vegetarian food offering is preferred.
Below is a list of the other regular practices performed at Akshobya:
- Great Mother
- Liberation from Sorrow
- Medicine Buddha
- Melodious Drum
- Offering to the Spiritual Guide
- Prayers for Meditation