The specific practice the Sakyong has selected for this puja is Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light, in the long-life expression known as Amitayus, Limitless Life. This form of Amitabha is called upon to strengthen life-force and our deep inner capacity for healing and longevity. Amitayus is regularly invoked at the end of major lineage events to ensure the health of the teacher, teachings, and practitioners. An Amitayus long-life healing puja has a natural connection with protecting the Earth because Amitayus practice emphasizes harmonizing and strengthening the inner and outer elements—earth, wind, water, and fire.

Connecting with the Puja at Home and at your Shambhala Center

The Sakyong requests that those wishing to connect with the pujas offer red and yellow flowers in special places in their homes or centers during his practice. We can do this with a sense of joining the Sakyong in heart and mind to heal the earth and humanity, and with the aspiration that His Majesty’s wishes for Shambhala and the individuals requesting his blessings be fulfilled.

Students who have already received the Sakyong’s White Tara sadhana are encouraged to do that practice on the days of the puja. White Tara is one of the main feminine deities of long life and health in the tantric tradition. She embodies the environmental qualities of kindness, protection from harm, and soothing suffering.