Kalpa Bhadra will be hosting a powa ceremony to offer prayers and dedications for Viola Murphy (Yonten’s grandmother) and little girl named Hannah (a friend of Bonnie’s).

A powa ceremony is a traditional prayer made for the deceased to help them accumulate merit, purify negativity and receive Buddha’s blessings. In particular, we make requests that Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, will protect them in the intermediate state and guide them to a fortunate rebirth.

Date: Wednesday, August 18th
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre, 42 Quebec Street, Guelph

NOTE: several members of the community have been asking about attending the ceremony. Everyone is welcome and their prayers and support are appreciated. The prayer booklet “Powa Ceremony” will be provided for everyone. There will be offerings for the ceremony provided by the family of the deceased; there is no requirement to bring additional offerings. If the family has limited resources, Ven. Geshe-la encourages the Dharma Centre to help with the offering.

In future, if the members in the community would like to request a powa ceremony for a loved one, please contact us and we will try to make arrangements. It is very beneficial for the deceased because sincere prayers from family and friends will result in that person taking rebirth in a pure land, even if that person was not religious or had a difficult life. It is also beneficial for the family because everyone wants to express their love and support.  Prayers are a special way of directing this natural wish into something positive. The powa ceremony is healing and comforting for everyone.