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PRACTICE | SADHANA Rituals, called pujas in Sanskrit, are the fundamental practice in tantric sadhana or spiritual work. All tantric pujas recognize that we are an energetic mechanism. This mechanism is visualized as a deity, an individuated dynamic expression of the ultimate creative energy. Puja consists of an external form of practice, which may include chanting, playing instruments, hand gestures (mudras), mantras and offerings. This aspect of the puja is intended to pay our respects to the creative power as it has manifested in the form of diversity. Pujas also include a meditation component, the visualization of the deity, in which we pay our respects to the more subtle aspect of creative energy, which has manifested as the means of cognition. In its highest aspect, puja is completely internalized and no external form is necessary. A number of sadhanas are practiced by students at the Institute, including the Vajrayana Buddhist practices of Chöd, Phowa, the Queen of Great Bliss, Marchungma, Tröma Nagmo, and Vajravarahi, and the Para puja of the Trika tradition. “Ultimately, the point of any ritual practice is to create a pattern with your body and a mental pattern that allows you to have and sustain contact with the very deepest state possible. From that state, your understanding of the world around you and the exchange that flows from that understanding can become increasingly richer and finer, and more subtle and sophisticated.”
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n e w s Food Drive for Oregon Food Bank June 20 to July 4 Video and Audio of Talks by Swami Chetanananda Now On-line New Yoga & Meditation Class Offered at The Movement Center New On-line Members Only Forums (You Must Register to View) New E-mail Archive c a l e n d a r Weekly Program Schedule Programs with Lama Wangdu Rinpoche Next Queen Of Great Bliss Puja: 7/13/08 Next Service Day: 6/28/08 Summer Retreat: July 22 through 27, 2008 a r t i c l e s NEW! The Heart of the Matter by Swami Chetanananda (from a talk given January 22, 2008, Portland) NEW! Living in Our Real Life by Swami Chetanananda (from a talk given November 19, 2007, Portland) We’re in this World to Grow by Swami Chetanananda (from a talk given October 17, 2006, Portland) Contact, Surrender And Flow by Swami Chetanananda (from talks given at the July 2005 Retreat, Portland) Keep the Feeling by Swami Chetanananda (from a talk given November 1, 2005 in Portland) Updated June 26, 2008 |
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