Chokhor Düchen Holy Day, Buddha's First Teaching (2026)

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Saturday, July 18, (All day) 2026

Chokhor Düchen Buddha Holy Day

Celebrating Buddha's First Teaching and International Sangha Day

Seven weeks after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Shakyamuni Buddha gave his first teaching at Deer Park in Sarnath, India.  We celebrate this day as Chokhor Düchen.  

During that first teaching, the Buddha expressed his profound realization of the nature of existence in these Four Noble Truths:

  1. The Truth of Suffering
  2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering
  3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering
  4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering

This teaching, referred to as the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, led to the formation of the Sangha - the community of disciples committed to following the Buddha's example of living simply, following the Path, and teaching the Dharma.  Accordingly, Chokhor Düchen is recognized by the FPMT as International Sangha Day, therefore, FPMT Centers are encouraged to celebrate the presence of the sangha in their communities and worldwide.  Please consider showing your appreciation to Kadampa Center's monks and nuns by making offerings (financial and/or notes of thanks) to them on this special day.  See Kadampa Center's Sangha Support and Offerings page for detailed information on ways in which you can offer support to our sangha members.

WHAT PRACTICES CAN I DO ON CHOKHOR DÜCHEN & INTERNATIONAL SANGHA DAY?

As one of the four Great Holy Days (or Buddha Days) of Tibetan Buddhism, Chokhor Düchen is a merit-multiplying day, in which the karma from our positive actions is multiplied 100 million times, as taught in the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic.  Although there aren't any planned activites being held onsite at Kadampa Center during Chokhur Düchen this year, there are still many, many opportunities to make the most of this meritorious day!

  • Take the Eight Mahayana Precepts in front of your home altar ~ learn more HERE

  • Join Kadampa Center's online Tara Practice ~ no experience necessary!

  • Practice generosity by making financial offerings to Kadampa Center's monastic sangha members: Geshe Gelek, Geshe Sangpo, Venerable Tendron, Venerable Lhamo, Venerable Khando, and Venerable Choekyi.  See Kadampa Center's Sangha Support and Offerings page.

  • Recite Mani Mantras ~ OM MANI PADME HUM ~ and record your mantra count HERE as part of the Global Mani Retreat

  • Follow any of Lama Zopa Rinpoche's extensive Practice Advice for the Four Great Holy Days from reciting mantras to performing pujas and doing retreat.

  • Remember to dedicate the merit generated from all of your virtuous actions to the benefit of all sentient beings

OPPORTUNITY TO SPONSOR CHOKHOR DÜCHEN HOLY DAY

Sponsoring a Buddha Holy Day is an incredible opportunity to earn merit.  Your sponsorship not only benefits you, it also serves our entire community by helping to make holy day events and other Spiritual Programs possible at Kadampa Center.  Sponsors also have the opportunity to offer a dedication of their sponsorship.  Anyone is welcome to sponsor Chokhor Düchen Holy Day.  Here's how:

  1. Offer your $108 sponsorship HERE.

  2. Submit your dedication HERE.