Mahakala Puja - The practice of Mahakala, the wrathful manifestation of the Buddhas, clears away obstacles in the path of the practitioner. Mahakala is a fully enlightened protector and is very much revered in Vajrayana Buddhism. The lineage masters and sangha normally do the Mahakala puja everyday in order to ensure success in their Buddhist practices. Mahakala in the form of Dorje Bernagchen (1st picture top left) is the main protector deity for the Karma Kagyud Lineage. May all participants clear away their obstacles in the new year and be able to improve in their practice!

Samantabhadra's King of Aspirations Prayer - Development of positive aspirations is particularly important for Buddhist practitioners to achieve successful practice. The merits that may be accumulated from reciting or hearing the Samantabhadra's King of Aspirations Prayer (2nd picture top left) and giving rise to faith is particularly vast. In the prayer it is said that even if one adorns the infinite realms of the ten directions and offer them to the buddhas, the merit of hearing or reciting this Prayer and being inspired towards supreme awakening is more supreme.

Raising of Lungta - Lungta is a tibetan word meaning wind-horse. The central image is that of a horse bearing three flaming jewels on its back, representing the Tibetan Buddhist trinity. This is the triple refuge of Buddha, who is the enlightened one, Dharma, the path of Buddhist teachings & Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community. The Windhorse is both the subduer of evil & the vehicle of enlightenment. Lungta prayer flags (3rd picture top left) are usually raised high in the air to catch the wind and thereby release the prayers and mantras into the air as offerings to the deities. It brings success, peace, knowledge, prosperity, and long life to all in proximity of the raised flags.

Buddha Shakyamuni Puja - Buddha Shakyamuni is the Buddha of our kalpa. If it were not for his teachings which have remained till now, we would all be shrouded in the darkness of ignorance. It is befitting in the new year that we do offerings and pray to Buddha Shakyamuni.