Saka Dawa

Saka Dawa is one of the most important sacred Buddhist days. The full moon day of Saka Dawa commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (death). The celebrations usually last the whole fourth Tibetan month (usually May or June). See our Event Calendar for the actual dates.

During this month practitioners place special emphasis on Dharma practice like circumambulation of monasteries and stupas, prostrations, taking precepts, reciting mantras, offering mandalas, doing sadhanas and saving animals lives, etc. All the merits of virtuous actions done on this day are multiplied one hundred million times.

Practices specifically recommended during the month of Saka Dawa include:

Taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts: for one day, one can take the precepts to refrain from killing, stealing, any sexual conduct, lying, intoxication, not to take a high or luxurious seat, not to sing, dance or wear ornaments, and not to eat after midday. (The first time, one should receive the precepts from a qualified teacher, thereafter one can take them by oneself.) ( Practice text available on our website)
Nyung-Ney (Fasting Retreat)

Performing the Guru Shakyamuni Buddha Puja ( icon Puja text available on our website)

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Upcoming Events

One Day Tara Practice
February 04, 2012 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)

White Tara is associated with practices which can contribute to enhancing one’s life span and overcome life-threatening hindrances. White Tara practice can also be done on behalf of someone who is ill. By relying on White Tara and reciting her mantra,...
Meditation Class with Roger Stevens
February 05, 2012 (10:00 am - 11:00 am)

Roger Stevens will be leading a guided meditation class twice a month, every other Sunday morning from 10 am to 11 am at the Center. There will be an opportunity for discussion after the meditation session. Share your experience with others. Everyone is...
Lamrim Teaching by Geshe Chonyi
February 05, 2012 (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
The stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim) is one of the great classics of Tibetan Buddhism which Lama Tsongkhapa founded came from the Kadam tradition, where Atisha and other great masters devised a systemized structures of study known as the...

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