On December 9th and 10th, the Kongma Sakyong will perform two pujas, or intensive practices, for the benefit of Shambhala and the world. If you would like to make a request or offerings.
For this season’s pujas, he has again selected practices that members of the community have a relationship with: Kurukulla, a practice renowned for gathering wealth, beings, and energy to virtuous endeavors; and Vajrakilaya, one of the most powerful practices aimed at removing obstacles to dharmic activity. The specific emphasis of this year’s Kurukulla puja is to deepen the Shambhala community’s connection to Kurukulla and the energy of magnetism overall. The specific intent of the Vajrakilaya puja is to overcome the fear, anxiety, and hopelessness that many people feel at this time.
If we wish, we can request the Sakyong to direct his practice to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, friends, centers, or activities. Although not required, people often make an offering to the teacher when requesting practice. This is part of what is called kor, the cycle of generosity between the teacher and those requesting help. It is a flow of energy and generosity, supplication and compassion, moving in many ways. Kor is a mirror of the power that our pure intention and kindness have to change the world. Learn more about why we do pujas in Shambhala >>
The Sakyong has said that these pujas will be used to reawaken and encourage the connection to primordial confidence and compassion. This will be helpful at this time when many people are feeling scared, discouraged, and worried.
Kurukulla Puja – December 9th
Kurukulla is one of the main manifestations of feminine principle—enlightened wisdom enacting magnetism. Kurukulla practice is performed to bring beings to the dharma and also to draw mutually positive relationships, energy, and wealth to our household as well as to our spiritual and work endeavors. In Shambhala, Kurukulla is also invoked to draw inspired and interested beings to the tradition of warriorship.
Vajrakilaya Puja – December 10th
Vajrakilaya is part of the tradition of wrathful compassion, practices that awaken the mind of ultimate fearlessness to overcome obstacles. Vajrakilaya was most famously accomplished by Padmasambhava at the Yang Le Shö cave in Nepal just before he arrived in Tibet. Padmasambhava’s practice was credited with ending both a drought and an epidemic. Vajrakilaya practice is generally done to overcome unseen obstacles, things that undermine the ability to engage positive activities or lead a virtuous life.
Connect with the Puja at Home and at your Shambhala Center
The Sakyong requests that those who want to connect with the Kurukulla puja offer red flowers on the shrine or in their home on the day of the practice. In addition, everyone is encouraged to recite the Jamgön Mipham the Great’s magnetizing supplication, Great Clouds of Blessings, seven or more times on this day.
For those who wish to connect with the Vajrakilaya puja, the Sakyong asks that people offer blue flowers on the shrine or in the home. Those that wish to do so may also make a clean and elegant protector offering at the close of the day, including cookies or a torma with the tea.
Those who will practice Kurukulla or Vajrakilaya with the Sakyong on the days of the puja are requested to accumulate 1,000 or more recitations of the deities’ mantras in the atmosphere of devotion, and to gather or perform feasts at Shambhala Centers wherever possible.
A PDF of Great Clouds of Blessings may be downloaded at the Nalanda Translation Committee website where you will find other offerings as well. Liturgical copies of Great Clouds of Blessings may also be obtained from the Nalanda Translation Committee as part of the Collected Vajra Liturgies: Daily Chant Book or the New Chants Only collection.
