Shitro and Duntsik Puja Offerings
At Tsoknyi Gechak Ling, the nuns carry out traditional practices for those who have passed away. These offerings are intended to support the deceased during the period after death, helping to create the conditions for clarity, release, and a positive transition.
Shitro Prayers
Donation: $360
For those who have died at any time in the past
Shitro is the practice of the 42 Peaceful and 58 Wrathful Deities. Through this practice, there is support for the deceased to recognize the appearances that arise after death as expressions of their own mind. In this way, the deceased may move toward liberation rather than confusion.
This prayer session is typically performed for one full day when the majority of the nuns at Tsoknyi Gechak Ling are present and an appropriate facilitator is available. Often, more than 140 nuns participate.
The offering includes:
- A full day of Shitro practice by the nuns
- Tsok (offering practice) and service rituals
- Meals and tea for the monastic community
- The lighting and offering of 108 large butter lamps and the 100,000 Buddha lamp
Please include a photo of the deceased when submitting your request.
Note: Shitro offerings do not include the fire ceremony or phowa.
Duntsik Puja (49-Day Prayers with Fire Ceremony and Phowa)
Donation: $890
For those who have recently passed away
Duntsik refers to a 49-day cycle of prayers and rituals following death. During this time, the nuns conduct prayer sessions every seven days for seven weeks, marking the stages of the intermediate state (bardo).
Each session, a group of about 10 nuns performs prayers for the deceased. Within this 49-day period, a suitable time is found—when conditions allow—to offer a larger collective practice that includes: Shitro prayers (as described above), along with a fire ceremony, which includes phowa (transference of consciousness)
The fire ceremony is understood to support the deceased in releasing attachment to the body and fixed identity, helping them move forward through the intermediate state. The ceremony is typically performed when a larger group of nuns can gather, often with over 140 in attendance.
Please include a photo of the deceased, along with the date and time of passing.
How Names Are Held in Practice
For all requests, the names and photos of the deceased are collected and included in the nuns’ prayers.
When a Duntsik fire ceremony is performed, the nuns may include additional recently received names as well. This reflects a practical and compassionate approach, extending the benefit of the ceremony as widely as possible.
Making an Offering
These offerings support the specific practices described and the nuns’ ongoing ritual practices. The suggested donations help support:
- The time and participation of the monastic community
- Ritual materials such as lamps and offerings
- Food and daily needs for the nuns during the practices
If you have recently lost someone, you are welcome to make a request in their name.
