Venerable Samten will performing the Cittamani Tara Puja (in Tibetan). This practice is done in-person only.

The puja, preceded by some preliminary prayers, will be done in the following sequence:

• Praise to Shakyamuni Buddha
• Ganden Lhagyama (Hundred Deities of Tushita), aka Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga
• Four Mandala Offerings to Cittamani Tara
• Protector Prayers (occasionally)

We are doing this practice for the long life of our spiritual masters, for the success of all their activities, and their holy wishes to be fulfilled, especially for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. Wednesday is considered a special day for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as it is his “soul day”  – བླ་གཟའ  – astrologically. It is common practice for Tibetans to offer special prayers and puja to His Holiness on Wednesdays in Tibet and India.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains the benefits of Tara practice:

Tara is quick to grant success in obtaining the ultimate happiness of enlightenment. You receive much good merit, or cause of happiness; it prevents a suffering rebirth in your next life. Reciting the Twenty-One Taras’ praise with devotion, or remembering Tara, singing praises, and reciting mantras protects you from fear and dangers and fulfills all your wishes. If you pray to Tara, Tara is particularly quick to grant help.

There are also many temporal benefits. Tara can solve many problems in your life: liberate you from untimely death; help you recover from disease; bring you success in business; help you to find a job; bring you wealth. Through Tara practice, you can obtain any happiness of this life that you wish.