Holy Days
Kadampa Center has pujas and special events on the various Tibetan holy days related to the Buddha. Since they are based on a Tibetan lunar calendar, the dates vary from year to year. According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, citing the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, karmic actions are multiplied by 100 million times, so it's a very important day to think positive thoughts through practices such as taking the 24-hour Eight Mahayana Precepts, making offerings to the Guru and monastics, and reciting sutras.
The major holy days are:
- Monlam Chenmo – A two-week period during which the Buddha performed various miracles. Rituals and celebrations are typically held on the final day, called “The Day of Miracles.”
- Saka Dawa - Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana (and in some traditions, only the latter two).
- Lhabab Düchen – Lord Buddha’s descent from Tushita, the God Realm of the Thirty-three, back to Earth.
- Lama Tsongkhapa Day – the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s enlightenment.
Other Special Celebrations
In addition to the holy days, Kadampa Center has celebrations on special days. For instance on Losar, Tibetan New Year, we often feature Tibetan musicians and special foods. On the American New Year, a purification practice called a fire puja is held to help purify negative karma and start the new year fresh!
For specific dates of other celebrations and special events, please refer to our calendar.
