One of the main sadhanas practiced at the Institute is Chöd. Chöd means “cutting through,” cutting through tensions, doubts, fears, obstacles and obscurations that deny us access to the joy within us.

Chöd is traditionally done in cemeteries, cremation grounds, and other places which evoke fear in the practitioner. By confronting that fear and learning to cut through it, the Chöd practitioner learns to transcend all doubts and fears in order to dwell in the infinite spaciousness that we are.

Chod is a very ancient practice and one of the earliest Vajrayana sadhanas. It is a practice of self-sacrifice, and in Chod we sacrifice what is most valuable to us—our bodies. We visualize making an offering of our body, which is transformed into nectar, to all beings in all realms. Through making that offering, we are initiating a flow between us and everything else. In the experience of flow, we begin to appreciate that all forms are completely interconnected and that there is in fact an underlying unity.

Phowa practice often accompanies the Chod. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the practice of Phowa is considered the most effective way to facilitate the transition into the next stage of existence. It can by done by a practitioner at the time of his or her own death, or for another person who is dying or who has already passed on. In the Phowa, the practitioner projects his or her consciousness, together with the awareness of the person they are practicing for, into the heart of Buddha Amitabha visualized in the space above. The practice dissolves the suffering of the dying or deceased and allows them to experience the peace and joy inherent in the clear awareness that is their essence.

Group Chöd and Phowa are done Saturday afternoons at 5:00 pm, alternating with other Vajrayana practices. All students and their guests are welcome.

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—Swami Chetanananda     

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