March 27, 2009 (India time) – I hope all is well for everyone there. I am enjoying my time here at Gaden, absorbing the sights and sounds of the Dharma everywhere. Right now it is 8:30pm and right outside my door approximately 40 young monks, ranging in age from 7 to 15, are saying their prayers out loud to memorize them. It is a beautiful sound. I go to sleep to the sounds of prayers and wake up to them as well. You can hear them coming from rooftops in the distance.

Twice a year Gaden Monastery conducts pujas (offering/prayer ceremonies) for Yamantaka and Guhyasamaja. Gaden Jantse does the Guhyasamaja and Gaden Shartse does the Yamantaka. During this time large, intricate sand mandalas are created representing the celestial home of these deities as well as a Kalachara mandala. The prayer ceremonies last for 4 days and start at 5:30am. They go all day, with breaks, and finish around 6:00pm.

One the last day a special fire puja is performed to purify negativities. During this time people come from throughout the local area to make offerings and participate in purifying activities. I am posting pictures of this amazing event below. It is only a small taste, I don’t think I captured even a fraction of the beauty, splendor, and power of this remarkable event.

[View with PicLens]

12►