top of page
logo-w-e.png

Six-Armed Mahākāla Obstacle-Clearing Puja

  • 7月16日
  • 讀畢需時 3 分鐘

I. Origins and Benefits of the Puja

The Six-Armed Mahākāla — the wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion — is one of the most powerfully blessing-conferring deities in Tibetan Buddhism, and the principal Dharma protector of the Gelug tradition. Embodying the union of great compassion and wisdom, he gathers beings under his compassionate care and subdues inner and outer obstacles with his fierce and mighty power.


In 2025, Master Zhenru personally bestowed upon Kongshan Monastery a sacred image of the Protector, offering the aspiration: "In any monastery where the Protector dwells, the Gelug teachings are certain to flourish."


This puja will be conducted in accordance with the traditional lineage rites of the Great Restoration Offering (大酬補, Kangso) and the Guru Puja (Lama Chöpa), together with smoke offering, recitation, circumambulation, and full prostrations. Prayers will be offered for:

  • Removal of personal and family obstacles and adverse conditions

  • Purification of karmic obscurations accumulated over many lifetimes, as well as present-life harmful conditions

  • Growth of merit, virtue, and wholesome conditions

  • Success in career, studies, and health

  • Accumulation of the causes for awakening, and the development of compassion and wisdom

  • Dedication toward world peace and the liberation of all beings from suffering


The smoke offering, Great Restoration Offering, Guru Puja, and praises and recitations of the Protector performed throughout the puja are all powerful practices for accumulating the twin accumulations of merit and wisdom, and for purifying obstacles.


II. Schedule and Participant Guidelines

Date: 

Sunday, August 16, 2026


Registration: 

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.


Morning Program

10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.

  • Extensive Offering Ceremony

  • Offering of Khatag (ceremonial scarves)

10:10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

  • Smoke Offering Puja

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The monastic community will conduct the Six-Armed Mahākāla Great Restoration Offering in the Main Shrine Hall (monastics only).

Simultaneously, a monastic will lead lay participants in communal practice in the Redwood Hall Dharma Hall, including:

  • Preliminary teaching by a monastic

  • Foundation of All Good Qualities (功德之本頌)

  • Prayer for the Flourishing of Tsongkhapa's Teachings (善慧教法廣宏文)

  • Lamrim Prayer (廣論祈願文)

  • Prayers of Dedication (Beginning, Middle, and Closing)

  • Circumambulation of the Protector

  • Full Prostrations

  • Incense, Lamp, and Water Offerings

  • Communal Recitation of Praises to the Protector


12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch (Redwood Hall, lower level)


Afternoon Program

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • Viewing of the Main Shrine's principal image — the Six-Armed Mahākāla

  • Receiving the blessed Kangso offering — auspicious red rice

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Guru Puja (Main Shrine Hall)

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Receiving blessed Guru Puja offerings (torma and other items)


Participant Guidelines

Dress Code

⚠️ Please note: Participants are required to wear dark-colored clothing — such as black or dark navy. Please avoid clothing that is immodest, revealing, or torn.

Offerings

  • For the morning Extensive Offering, participants are welcome to bring food offerings to contribute.

  • Incense, lamps, and water offerings will be provided by the monastery.

Meals

  • A vegetarian midday meal will be provided by the monastery.

Puja Etiquette

  • Please silence or switch off mobile phones.

  • Please maintain quiet throughout the puja proceedings.

  • Do not enter the practice area without permission.

  • If you have questions, please consult a staff member or volunteer.

Volunteering

We warmly welcome those who wish to offer their time and energy. Volunteer roles include:

  • Venue setup

  • Meal service

  • Ritual assistance

  • Traffic and parking guidance

  • Guest reception and registration


III. Introduction to the Six-Armed Mahākāla

The Six-Armed Mahākāla is a principal Dharma protector of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and a deity held in the highest regard by masters of every generation in this tradition.

Manifesting in wrathful form from the compassionate heart of Avalokiteśvara, the Six-Armed Mahākāla possesses both great compassion and majestic power. He is able to:

  • Dispel adverse conditions and obstacles

  • Protect the Dharma and ensure its long abiding

  • Guard the practice and spiritual progress of practitioners

  • Assist in the accumulation of merit and virtue

  • Bring about the fulfillment of wholesome aspirations and endeavors

For a detailed introduction, please visit the website:


IV. Registration Information

Who May Attend

  • Those with an interest in Buddhist study and practice

  • Those wishing to pray for blessings and the removal of obstacles

  • Those who wish to participate in communal practice and make offerings

  • Families are warmly welcome to register together


Registration Deadline: 

Please complete the online registration form by August 8.


Information Required

  • Full name

  • Contact phone number

  • Email address

  • Number of participants

  • Whether you will be joining for the midday meal

  • Whether you wish to volunteer

  • Dedication list for prayers and merits (optional)


Dana — Offerings of Support

Participation in the puja is by dana (voluntary offering). All are warmly welcome to contribute according to their means in support of the puja's merit.


Organizer: Kongshan Monastery, USA

Puja Name: Six-Armed Mahākāla Obstacle-Clearing Puja

Date: August 16, 2026



 
 
 

留言

bottom of page