Fire Puja in Taiwan with H.E. Daknak Rinpoche

Throughout the ages, erudite masters have eloquently disseminated religious teachings to the masses within the spiritual community. Our modern era is no different. Tibetan Buddhism alone has many highly attained Lamas who have garnered thousands of students, both ordained and lay, due to their selflessness and great compassion for all beings.

H.E. Daknak Rinpoche begins the fire puja

Within this pantheon of realised Lamas is His Eminence the 14^th Daknak Rinpoche, a guru to thousands in Tibet and Taiwan.

Offerings for a traditional fire puja

The majority of Buddhist practitioners in Taiwan follow the Chinese Mahayana Tradition, which is at the forefront of religious life while Tibetan Buddhism is relatively unknown there. However, even in such conditions, Kyabje Daknak Rinpoche has gained tremendous respect due to his dedication and hard work in spreading the Gelugpa lineage in the region.

His efforts have resulted in the establishment of Daknak Lhundup Monastery in Taiwan, and it is from this monastery that Kyabje Daknak Rinpoche travels the world to elucidate the precious teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa, and by extension, the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.

In 2014, Kyabje Daknak Rinpoche personally presided over four days of pujas: a one-day Yamantaka peaceful fire puja and a three-day Medicine Buddha puja.

Fire pujas are Buddhist ceremonies during which offerings and substances are placed in a roaring fire accompanied by prayer and ritual. A fire puja accumulates vast amounts of merit, increases virtuous energies and assists in healing, all while clearing karmic debts and purifying the environment. They are known to bless the participants and promote world peace and harmony. Fire pujas can also be used to pacify the results of our unwholesome actions and clear obstacles.

Extensive offerings to the Three Jewels

On the other hand, the Medicine Buddha puja is a popular practice especially within Asian communities as it promotes healing and longevity.

Great Lamas such as Kyabje Daknak Rinpoche have captured the minds of many due to their immense compassion, selflessness and skilful means. It is indeed a joyous occasion that such meritorious acts are being carried out for the benefit of all.