Celebrating the Earth, the Kongma Sakyong Jampal Trinley Dradül will perform a two- day long-life puja, or accomplishment practice, this April 29th and 30th in Boulder, Colorado. This long-life puja is performed to assist in healing the sick, and to strengthen the life-energy of those engaged in virtue so that their activity and aspirations may flourish. In addition to the benefit for individuals, the Sakyong is also dedicating this particular puja to healing the natural world and fostering well-being, balance, and peace. (For more information, see “Why a Puja”.) 

Spring is an excellent time for long-life practice because it is a time to renew the health of the body and the inner health that enables us to live long and meaningful lives. It is also a time to heal and renew the strength of the environment we live in. This is connected to celebrating Earth Day and deepening our connection with the planet that we steward for future generations.

The specific practice the Sakyong has selected for this puja is Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light, in the long-life expression known as Amitayus, Limitless Life. This form of Amitabha is called upon to strengthen life-force and our deep inner capacity for healing and longevity. Amitayus is regularly invoked at the end of major lineage events to ensure the health of the teacher, teachings, and practitioners. An Amitayus long-life healing puja has a natural connection with protecting the Earth because Amitayus practice emphasizes harmonizing and strengthening the inner and outer elements—earth, wind, water, and fire.

Connecting with the Puja at Home 
and at your Shambhala Center

The Sakyong requests that those wishing to connect with the pujas offer red and yellow flowers in special places in their homes or centers during his practice. We can do this with a sense of joining the Sakyong in heart and mind to heal the earth and humanity, and with the aspiration that His Majesty’s wishes for Shambhala and the individuals requesting his blessings be fulfilled.



Students who have already received the Sakyong’s White Tara sadhana are encouraged to do that practice on the days of the puja. White Tara is one of the main feminine deities of long life and health in the tantric tradition. She embodies the environmental qualities of kindness, protection from harm, and soothing suffering.