Mönlam
Buddhist Prayers for Healing, Living, and Dying
Closed now for offerings and names
Three days of the Sidok Raksha Thötreng Drubchok Pūjā (Wrathful Padmasaṃbhava Pūjā) are performed each year at the monastery on the 27th – 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Raksha Thötreng is a wrathful manifestation of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasaṃbhava). “Raksha” means “to protect”; thus, this puja is thought to protect all sentient beings. It is performed to purify any negativity or breach of vows during the past year and to remove all obstacles for an enlightening and prosperous year ahead.
On the first two days of the puja, the monks recite prayers from early morning until late into the evening. In mid-afternoon of the third day, a special ceremony is performed which is the climax of the puja. The assembly of lamas and monastics circumambulate the monastery and then proceed to an open field in the compound where they are joined by a large crowd of lay practitioners and spectators. In the field is a large wrathful effigy made of tsampa (barley flour) and butter. The effigy represents all obstacles and negative circumstances. Viewers may offer a khata (white scarf) and small donation to the ritual master to share in the merit of this practice.
The effigy is set alight and during the burning period the participants make aspirations that through the destruction of the effigy, all harmful obstacles will be removed for sentient beings everywhere so that all may enjoy peace, happiness, and the attainment of complete enlightenment.
May everyone rejoice in this noble and virtuous event and dedicate the merit for the benefit of all sentient beings.
