Tibetan Buddhist communities around the world celebrate their sangha monthly with ganachakras, or “feasts” in which they consecrate their shrine room as a sacred place and their community as a dharma family helping each other toward awakening.
In Tibetan, ganachakras are called “tsok” which means “gathering.” It’s a gathering of Buddha’s disciples, a gathering of foods to be consecrated and shared, and a gathering of prayers and mantras for all to recite.
Feasts are considered a time for celebrating the sandha, purifying faults, healing disagreements and forging new bonds of blessing for the entire community.
His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, a founder of Columbus KTC, suggested use of the feast practice of Karma Pakshi, the 2nd Karmapa, who lived in the 13th Century and is considered the first “tulku” or reincarnate lama of Tibet.
KTC’s Karma Pakshi chanting group, led by Lama Kathy and Lama Tom, will lead the chants, bless the food and explain the meaning of the feast during the practice session.
Texts will be provided so all can participate.
Come celebrate our very first Karma Pakshi Feast for the Sangha in the new building. We look forward to seeing you there!