The Akshobhya (Mitupa) Changchog: (Purifying and Liberating the deceased )24, 25, 26 January 2014 (3-6pm daily) Information provided by Dorje Lobpon: Ponlop Yongten Sangpo SakyaTenphelLing.org

Procedure of Changchog:1. Mitupa Dharje (Preparation): Blessing of Offerings.Taking Refuge, Bodhicitta, Emptiness Mantra etc)

2. Mitupa mandala: Creating the mandala- Celestial mansion and deity Mitupa (self creation)

3. Mitupa Bumba (Vase): Initiation and invoking and gathering of Deities into the victorious vase . Dissolve and blessed them into the nature of nectar for purification

a. This nectar are given to all including the Ritual master. Participating lamas and all lay participants.

b. Later during the Main Changchog ritual for the deceased, the blessed nectar will be given to all deceased ones through pouring it on the mirror purification.

4. Changchog Main Ritual

a. Charksum: Every Puja has Charksum where the mandala are covered and Lamas chant all the deities prayers including protectors etc, propitiating them with their mudras and requesting them to honour their pledges of bodhicitta to all beings especially the specific object of dedication that is the deceased, so as to free them from the suffering of lower rebirths. Dedicating Torma to all worldly deities so that they can assist to enhanced the dharma activities and to bring peace and happiness. Dedicating torma to all evil or negative beings so that they can be cast far away.

b. Changchog : Self initiation and initiation of the deceased :- Water purification: pour nectar water over the mirror to blessed and purify

their act of giving, moral conduct etc the activities of the 6 perfections;

the three poisons of ignorance, attachment and anger,

the 4 elements

- Smoke purification to remove sicknesses and obstacles

- Sur Offering of 5 foods as:

Mirror with vajra

Ting sak

Holy water

Champa food

Cloth

c. Prostration: Participation by all attendees with lama leading ( about from 4.30 – 5.00pm)

Thus is done daily on 24, 25, and 26th January

d. Purification of Deceased consciousness with Mingjang (Name purification paper) burning (about 5.30pm on the 26th January Sunday, the last day of the Changchog)

5. Mitupa Dharje (conclusion)

The Dorje Lobpon then show the deceased consciousness the way to the Pureland through chanting and bell ringing.

- Thanksgiving offering to the deities of the Mandala followed by praises and invocation of auspicious conditions conclude the ritual.