Jangwa & Ruchog Puja for the Deceased

Led by Segyü Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Wangdu

We warmly invite you to participate in the Yamantaka Jangwa and Ruchog, powerful Vajrayana purification practices dedicated to benefiting those who have passed away. Led by Segyü Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Wangdu, these practices may be dedicated to loved ones who have died recently or many years ago, including humans, animals, and beloved pets.

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche specifically requested that this puja be translated for use at Land of Medicine Buddha so that our community could join together in performing it. This practice is especially suitable because it is both powerful for benefiting those who have passed away and allows participants to engage directly in the prayers and practices on behalf of their loved ones. English translations of the texts will be available.

About the Yamantaka Jangwa

Jangwa is a tantric purification practice performed for those who have died. Through the power of mantra, concentration, meditation, and the Buddha’s words of truth, the practice purifies negative karma and creates conditions for a fortunate rebirth. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, even if someone is in the intermediate state and heading toward an unfortunate rebirth, Jangwa can help change the direction of their reincarnation, creating the causes for rebirth in a human or deva realm, or even in a Pure Land.

During the practice, powerful purification mantras are recited and used to bless mustard seeds. Through meditation, the consciousness of the deceased is invoked, and the blessed mustard seeds are used to purify them. The practice concludes with phowa, the transference of consciousness toward a Pure Land. When ashes or remains are not present, the photograph or written name of the deceased is offered in the purification fire while meditating on emptiness.

This particular Jangwa is associated with Yamantaka, a powerful manifestation of enlightened wisdom that overcomes obstacles and negativity. It is an advanced tantric purification ritual requiring a qualified practitioner with the appropriate empowerment, training, and skill in visualization, self-generation, and ritual practice.

The Medicine Buddha Puja will be performed before the Jangwa ritual.

About the Ruchog Ceremony

The Ruchog ceremony is performed over the ashes or bones of the deceased. Through the ritual, the remains are purified and transformed into holy objects that may then be placed inside stupas. Unlike the Jangwa practice, which participants can engage in together, the Ruchog text will be recited only by the lama. You are welcome to bring partial ashes of the deceased for this ceremony.

Submitting the Names of Loved Ones

You are welcome to submit the names of deceased family members, friends, ancestors, animals, or pets to be included in the practice. Registration is important because a form bearing the deceased person’s name, along with a photograph if available, will be offered in the purification fire.

• A passport-size solo photograph of the deceased may be emailed to spc@medicinebuddha.org. Please do not submit an original, as photographs will not be returned.
• If you do not have a photograph, the name of the deceased is sufficient.
• Ashes are not required. Please do not send ashes by mail.

An opportunity to make a financial offering will also be available. Making an offering can further create a karmic connection between the donor, the deceased, and the practice being performed at Land of Medicine Buddha.

Suggested Donation: $25–$500

Whether you are honoring someone who has recently passed away, remembering someone from many years ago, or dedicating the practice to a beloved animal or pet, the Yamantaka Jangwa and Ruchog offer a precious opportunity to come together in compassion and engage directly in practices dedicated to their purification and future well-being.

Everyone is welcome. Registration is required.