On the morning of Sunday February 7, before H.H.J.D. Sakya arrived at the site of the fire puja on Whidbey Island, three monks of Sakya Monastery began the necessary preparations. Tulku Yeshi, Khenpo Jampa, and Lama Migmar setup the beautiful Tibetan tent and then made a sand mandala.
Later that morning, H.H.J.D. Sakya, Dhungsey Sadu Vajra Sakya, and H.E. Dagmo Kusho Sakya arrived as did members of the Sakya Monastery Board of Advisors and other Monastery members.
They recited the fire puja text beginning with the self-generation section. Then they ate lunch and rested until 1pm. Afterwards, the recitations continued. Also, members and attendees who needed blessings for their health offered barley, rice, etc into the fire.
While there was rain in the morning, by the start of the fire puja the rain had stopped. It was one of many auspicious signs. The shape of the fire was very auspicious and looked much like Vajrapani. When holy lamas offer pujas then beneficial things happen. Blessings and great benefits for all are the results.
This was the first time this puja had been offered in the Pacific Northwest. It was a good blessing for the entire area.
