We engage in chanted prayers every day at the centre, all of which are dedicated to world peace. These beautiful and uplifting prayers are chanted in English in our beautiful meditation hall. The prayers are a powerful method for benefiting others, preparing our minds for meditation and overcoming obstacles to our practice. Everybody is welcome to participate, including beginners. Please ask if you would like any more information. If you would like to request particular prayers at any time, please contact us.
Prayer times below are subject to change. A calendar is available at the Centre with times and dates or please contact us for more details. You can e-mail us at unwind@meditateinbirmingham.org
Sunday morning prayers
Sundays 11am-11.40am (during term time)
These prayers are particularly suitable for beginners and are a great way of benefiting others and increasing your familiarity with the practice of prayer. After the prayers you are welcome to enjoy a drink and a snack admidst the peaceful surroundings of the centre. We engage in different prayers each week:
Tara prayers
Tara is a female Buddha who is a manifestation of the wisdom of all the Buddhas. She is our common mother, our Holy Mother. Her name means ‘Rescuer’. By making prayers to mother Tara with strong faith, she will protect us from obstacles and fulfill our wishes.
Avalokiteshvara prayers
Avalokiteshvara is an enlightened being who is a manifestation of all Buddhas’ compassion. If we sincerely rely upon Avalokiteshvara and recite his mantra with strong faith, we shall transform our mind and in particular, develop a mind of great compassion.
Powa ceremony (transference of consciousness)
(usually last Sunday of each month)
We engage in Powa prayers for the sake of all living beings who have passed away in the past month. The purpose of doing this is to lead all the deceased to the state of permanent liberation from suffering, these prayers are therefore extremely meaningful. If you would like to request prayers be made for a particular deceased being, please contact the centre.
Great Mother prayers
Engaging in the Great Mother practice, is a profound method to dispel obstacles and difficulties. As part of these prayers, we make prayers to Prajnaparamita and recite The Heart Sutra.
Heart Jewel Prayers (with 15 minute meditation)
In these sessions we make prayers to our Spiritual Guide, visualized as Je Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden to request help with our Dharma practice and all beneficial conditions for ourselves and all living beings. These prayers last a little under 1 hour and everyone is welcome to attend.
Tuesdays 3.30pm
Wednesday to Saturday 5pm
Heart Jewel Prayers (without meditation)
Mondays 5pm
Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog (food) offering
Sundays 16.30-17.30
Offering to the Spiritual Guide prayers
10th and 25th of each month (please contact the centre for times)
Melodious Drum (extensive protector prayers)
Please contact the centre for details
Mahayana Precepts
15th of each month, 6.30am (please check times with the centre if you wish to attend)
Sojong (for ordained practitioners)
Monthly (please contact the centre for details)
