Shakyamuni Buddha Puja on LHABAB DUCHEN (Descent From Tushita)
(HYBRID) Join us on Lhabab Duchen in a joyful ceremony celebrating Lord Buddha’s return return to Earth after teaching the Dharma in the heavenly realms of Tushita to benefit his mother. This offering puja is a beautiful practice, sung in English, with praises to the Buddha, copious offerings, and delicious chai tea. As this is the nearest equivalent of a Buddhist ‘Mother’s Day’ we will make special prayers for all mothers, as well as prayers for your own Dharma journey.
This is on of the four holy days on the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, and a deeply moving and uplifting event. The power of everything we do on this day is greatly magnified, so it is a great day for spiritual activity and re-setting the direction of your life.
The Buddha taught continuously for three months to repay his mother’s kindnesses, while also benefiting the gods in that realm. The Buddha was then exhorted by his disciple and representative Maudgalyayana to return to the human realm, and after a long debate under a full moon the Buddha agreed to return.
The Buddha returned to the human realm a week later, descending a celestial ladder surrounded by rainbows and celestial guard of devas. The special triple ladder was manifested by the gods Indra and Brahma, and the Buddha landed at Sankashya, India, which is counted among the Eight Great Places in the Buddha’s life.
“If one accumulates merit by depending on these powerful objects, then it is so easy, and with small hardships one is able to collect great merit. This is the highest method.”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Lama Zopa Rinpoche emphasises how the Shakyamuni Puja is so important, as a practice that purifies the obstacles and accumulates the necessary conditions – the merits – that are done in order to receive blessings, and for the mind to enter into the graduated path. All the major steps on path to enlightenment are included in this ceremony, as it is based around the 7-limb practice.
Everyone will have the opportunity to make special prayers for sick family members, for the success of projects and endeavours, the removal of obstacles, and the flourishing of Dharma and the resources for a meaningful life.
Those joining on Zoom will enjoy a detailed screenshare illustrating many of the prayers. You will also have the opportunity to share dedications either in person or into the chat.
“My wish is that when one does this practice, one performs the offerings as extensively as possible. This is important because it all becomes the cause of success – to be able to practice, to spread the Dharma and to have all the necessary conditions.”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Event Details
Donate to the Puja
Donations made on holy days on the Buddhist calendar are especially powerful. Your contribution here will go towards altar offerings and holy objects.
*If you can’t make it to puja but still want to be involved, please email us in your dedication so we can read it at the puja.
What You Will Need
Download the Texts:
If you are joining online, these are the texts to follow along.
Calling the Guru From Afar
Shakyamuni Buddha Puja
What to bring:
– Offerings for the altar (preferably commercially packaged). They will be offered to the needy at a later date
– Your ritual implements if you have them. We also have some in the gompa to use
Join Event on Zoom
This is a hybrid event, held both in-person in the gompa and online on Zoom. Zoom meeting starts 10 minutes before event start time.
More Pujas and Ceremonies Coming Up…
Shakyamuni Buddha Puja on LHABAB DUCHEN (Descent From Tushita)
Protector Prayers
Cittamani Tara Puja