VENERABLE Samten Phuntchok Rinpoche, resident spiritual teacher of Palyul Nyingma Buddhist Association (Singapore), and his assistant Lama Sangay are in Cebu from Aug. 25-30 for a series of Buddhist teachings and pujas, which are expressions of honor, worship and devotional attention.
The activities that are open to the public will start today, Aug. 26.
At 9 a.m. today, Rinpoche will talk about 21 Dzambhalas (deities of wealth), and it will be followed by a 2 p.m. talk about Smoke Puja. These will be held at the Temple of God the Father in Seaview Heights Subdivision, Barangay Lawaan, Talisay City.
On Aug. 27, at 9 a.m., a Life Release–Buddhist practice of saving the lives of animals who are destined to be killed–will be held in the pier beside Movenpick Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City. On the same day, the naga puja will be held in the Temple of God the Father in Lawaan, Talisay. Buddhist naga pujas (prayer ceremonies) include using visualization.
During the puja, the participants are required to observe the following without deviation: do not consume any pungent food (e.g. garlic, onion); do not apply cosmetics, perfumes and fragranced toiletries; do not carry any nectar pills (dharma medicine); do not burn any incense within the vicinity of the main shrine; do not smoke, and do not consume alcohol; keep your clothing clean and free from odor or fragrance; and be a strict vegetarian.
On Aug. 28, at 9 a.m., the Green Tara Empowerment will be held at the Temple of God the Father in Seaview Heights Subdivision, Lawaan, Talisay City. Green Tara is the female Buddha of wisdom and active compassion.
On Aug. 29, at 9 a.m., the Sang Puja (smoke offering) will also be held at the Temple of God the Father. It is the offering of food that was burned to create smoke and offered to the Buddhas, Bodhissatvas and other realized beings. This is done in order to accumulate mass merits and also to practice generosity.
Private consultations and blessings are limited to available slots.
The organizer advised interested participants to provide their birthdate in advance for those who plan to have a consultation with Ven. Samten Phuntchok Rinpoche.
For more information regarding the consultations, call Helen Co at 256-1320.