Join us for a relaxing evening in community with like-minded spiritual friends. This is the first of three 'puja parties' that our center will be hosting over the year. In Kadampa Buddhism, a puja is a chanted ritual prayer and offering gathering or celebration designed to generate positive states of mind, purify negativity, and deepen your spiritual practice. These ceremonies typically include reciting prayers, making offerings (like vegetarian food and drinks), and meditating. There is a very special power that is created when a spiritual community gathers to engage in a puja. We end up receiving many special blessings and inspiration.

During these Saturday night puja parties, we'll have the opportunity to meet a particular Buddha, or enlightened being, through a short teaching where we will learn and gain familiarity with their mantra and chanted prayer practice.

On this night in November, we will meet Prajnaparamita, a female Buddha who is the manifestation of the perfection of wisdom of all the Buddhas, and we will be introduced to a practice associated with Prajnaparamita called 'The Great Mother,' which is a method to overcome hindrances and obstacles by reciting the Essence of Wisdom Sutra (the Heart Sutra).

The first hour of the night will be devoted to teaching, learning and actually engaging in the practice. Afterwards, we'll partake of the offerings and enjoy some refreshments together over discussion. Please bring an offering of vegetarian food if you wish.

$10/free for members

Teacher:   Kerrin Perniciaro

Phone: (631) 549-1000

Email: [email protected]