Powa: The Profound Practice of Transference of Consciousness
The prayer practice for transference of consciousness of the deceased, known as Powa, is a profound method for transferring the consciousness of the deceased to the Pure Land of Buddha. When a person dies their consciousness separates from their body. During the time before taking their next rebirth there is an opportunity for people who have some connection with the deceased to guide their consciousness’ away from samsara’s painful rebirths and instead into a pure land – a world that is created by minds that experience things in a pure way.
The Powa Ceremony is a beautiful, powerful ritual practice that comes from the Buddhist tantras given by Buddha so that we can benefit the deceased by coming together as a group and making prayers, offerings, and requests on their behalf. Then, through the great power of our pure compassionate intention, strong prayer, and complete concentration on the practice, the consciousness of the deceased is transferred to Sukhavati (the Pure Land of Bliss), also referred to as the Pure Land of the Buddha of Compassion, so that they only ever experience pure and lasting peace and are finally freed from the painful cycling of suffering and it’s causes.
Everyone is welcome. Please bring offering of food or flowers if you wish.