ALL-NIGHT GONG PUJA
Saturday, January 9th, 9:00 pm until Sunday, January 10th, 7:00 am
Have you experienced a GONG BATH before? Have you sensed your body responding to the sound waves? Have you felt a deep calm and peace within? Noticed the clarity and mental sharpness? Have you observed the lightness and fluidity of the physical body afterwards? Have you left saying “I never experienced anything like that before”? Have you answered: “I am not finding the words to describe it” when someone asked how it was?
IMAGINE YOU STAY IN THIS FOR THE ENTIRE NIGHT…
All-night Gong Puja - is an extraordinary experience. A sound meditation that lasts 7 ½ hours. Multiple players hold space throughout the night, creating a gentle, intentional sound experience. Participants usually lie down, meditate, or sleep. One may stay awake or drift in and out of sleep throughout the night. The self-healing potential is activated on the deepest cellular level. The prolonged exposure to the sound of gongs promotes a sense of peace and well-being, strengthens the nervous system, balances chakras and meridians, increases vitality, and stabilizes the mind.
WHY THE GONG?
Gongs are considered the most powerful tools of transformation on the planet. This ancient instrument is fast, efficient, and requires no effort from the participant beyond showing up, lying down, and surrendering. What makes the gong stand out as a sound healing instrument is its ability to overwhelm the mind. Most other instruments used in sound healing such as singing bowls or chimes are different - they produce strong fundamental notes with harmonics. Gongs produce those but they also fill the gaps between the notes, so instead of having just the peaks of sound, one is basically exposed to a ‘wall’ of sound. The mind can neither comprehend nor predict the next sound coming out of the gong. There is no pattern it can follow. The sound supersedes the mind, so the mind gives up: it has no choice but to surrender to the presence. It shuts off surrendering and makes space for the feeling of deep inner peace. The opportunity for the physical body to profoundly relax allows the sound waves to travel, penetrate, and release the blocked areas.
WHY DO WE CALL IT PUJA?
A Puja (Sanskrit: pūjā) is an expression of honor and devotional attention. It is also considered to be the act of turning within, allowing space for the ability to heal — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The gong puja usually lasts 7 ½ hours, which is the equivalent of 10 x 45-minute gong baths. The facilitator and the players are holding sacred space for everyone attending, opening up the opportunity to share the energy positively and heal individually and collectively. The most profound integration happens at night, when everything settles and calms. Therefore, performing Puja during the night - after sunset and before sunrise — is a fruitful way to seed lasting changes.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Come with an open heart, prepared for a unique one-of-a-kind experience.
When you arrive at the Gong Puja you choose your spot and prepare your ‘bed’ for the night. Please layer a few mats or bring a camping-style sleeping pad to be comfortable. A sleeping bag is recommended to keep you warm. Tea will be provided (please bring your favorite mug). We will tune in at night with a brief introduction and intentions. The actual Puja will start around 10:30pm. The gong will be played by designated players throughout the night for 7 1/2 hours. Then the Gongs will go silent. We will close the Puja collectively, toning into 108 AUM.
WHAT TO BRING?
A comfortable mat or a mat-width sleeping pad, blanket or sleeping bag, comfortable pillow, thick socks, and a bottle of water; whatever you need to be comfortable and warm. Dressing in layers is recommended - the body might travel through a wide range of physical experiences including heat and cold.
HOW TO PREPARE?
To experience a deep benefit of purification, it is suggested to follow a modest 3-7 day vegetarian diet before the Gong Puja. If possible, please avoid alcohol for that period of time. It is advisable to drink enough water to support the cellular level, allowing the sound penetration to be integrated somatically in the most harmonizing manner.
Puja Conductor/Facilitator: Inga Wilke
Energy exchange - $160 until Dec 31st ($170 - Jan 1st - 9th)
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED through the link below or call 708-559-5644