Grand Gong Master Don Conreaux differentiates the traditional definition of the Puja used in Buddhism/Hinduism with the term “Gong Puja" used in the Gong Family.

In Buddhism, Puja (Sanskrit & Pali: pūjā “poo-ja”) are expressions of “honor and devotional attention.” The purpose is to make a spiritual connection to the divine (or in the case of Hinduism - to a specific deity). Typically, that contact is facilitated through an object. The object can be an element of nature, a painting, photo/print, sculpture or vessel.

In Hinduism, Pujas are performed to honor and/or facilitate life milestones or events: births, marriages, starting a new job/venture as well as to help overcome challenges: overcoming fears of all forms, removing negative vibrations, attracting weath/fortune, abundance, health and happiness. The puja or devotional offering is done for a specific deity and can be done by an individual or by a proxy - a person is paid to perform a puja for a client. Some examples of pujas for deities include a Shiva Shakti Puja to help “improve harmony in the marriage and to help integrate material and spiritual progress.” An interesting puja for the Planetary Gong player is the Navagraha Puja which is performed traditionally for nine planets to produce “tremendous positive energy”, and help people “to gain courage to face any situation in our lives.” The traditional puja involves a fire ritual with offerings of spices and sweets.

Images: Yaelle E. Shaphir, L.Ac @acumomma June 2022

According to Don, who originated the all-night gong pujas, (you might say: “A Sound Vibration PUJA-ma Party") Gong players use the word Puja as defined as "a ritual or ceremony, not necessarily a worship." The Holistic Healer or Sound Vibration Practitioner for a Healing Tone Ceremony utilizes a variety of Tone Instruments for “Puja".....any musical puja including all kinds of gongs, Blowing Conchs, Singing Bowls and Bells. With each one alone or together we can do "Puja".



Lesson Summary

Grand Gong Master Don Conreaux explains the difference between the traditional definition of Puja in Buddhism/Hinduism and the term "Gong Puja" in the Gong Family:

• In Buddhism and Hinduism, Puja is an expression of honor and devotional attention to make a spiritual connection with the divine or a specific deity through an object such as an element of nature, painting, sculpture, etc.
• Hindu Pujas are performed to celebrate life milestones, events, or overcome challenges like fears, negative vibrations, attracting wealth, health, and happiness.
• Examples include Shiva Shakti Puja for harmony in marriage or Navagraha Puja for positive energy and courage.

According to Don Conreaux, Gong players use Puja as a ritual or ceremony, not necessarily worship, in the context of an all-night Gong Puja. The Holistic Healer or Sound Vibration Practitioner utilizes a variety of Tone Instruments for "Puja," including gongs, Blowing Conchs, Singing Bowls, and Bells, either alone or together.