Additional Information about

TMC Annual Amitabha Liberation Puja

Our Tibetan Buddhist practice of Amitabha Liberation puja is similar to the Mahayana Buddhist ceremony called Ullambana. Ullambana is popular in many countries and observed in slightly different ways.  Vietnam, Japan, Korea, China, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, and  Cambodia are some of the main countries this beautiful practice is observed. It is a Ceremony of Love, Remembrance & Deliverance from suffering. Actually helping our loved ones after death, and decreasing suffering in those who are still struggling for their lives.

With palms together, we warmly invite you to join us for our Annual Amitabha Liberation Puja including Ullambana observance. This sacred tradition is rooted in the Ullambana Sūtra and the deeply moving story of the Venerable Mahāmaudgalyāyana (Moggallāna). Through his clairvoyance, he saw that his beloved mother, who had passed away, was suffering in a painful state. With great sorrow, he asked the Buddha how he could help her. Out of infinite compassion, the Buddha instructed him to make offerings of pure food and necessities to the Sangha at the completion of the rains retreat, and then to dedicate all the merit born from that generosity to his mother and to all deceased loved ones. By that act of selfless giving, she was delivered to Dewachen,  the Pureland of Amitabha Buddha.

For this reason, Ullambana is known as “deliverance from suffering” This is not a ritual only for ancestors . It is a practice of profound love:

• Filial gratitude — honoring our living parents for their kindness, and remembering our deceased parents and ancestors with deep appreciation
• Generosity — making offerings to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
• Compassionate Dedication — sharing all merit with our loved ones who have passed, with those who are suffering now, and with all beings in difficult states for the Enlightenment of all sentient beings.

108 candle offerings for your loved ones:  we suggest a $50 donation. Names for 108 candles can be sent to drikungweb@gmail.com, and $50 donations can be sent to: drikungtmc.com/donate. 

As one lamp lights another, may our altruistic motivation  and  devotion represent Buddha Amithabha’s light guiding the recipients of our prayers on to peace.  May those who have gone be completely at peace. May those who remain be held and comforted in the light of our prayers knowing that this ceremony is an active way to help.

We need your help!  Vegetarian potluck offerings would be welcome for this Sunday!