The Tibetan Buddhist Calendar The Tibetan Buddhist Calendar  The Tibetan calendar is based on lunar cycles not solar cycles.  The lunar cycle is less than 30 days.  Our year is divided into 12 months.  There are techniques applied to compensate for the difference between the 12 lunar cycles and the actual 365 +/- days of the year.  So in the Tibetan Calendar, sometimes dates appear double or sometimes not at all.  We have given some information about special days that are important in the Tibetan Calendar.  Meditation practice is strongly recommended for these days. However, every moment that we have life is a precious moment that we should be mindful to experience.  Therefore, every day, every moment, is important for meditation. To see theTibetan Buddhist calendar for the month, and for the Center's scheduele, click here, or go to "calendar" at the top of this webpage.

MAJOR CELEBRATION DAYS

There are major celebration days or "Festivals" (düchen) in a year which relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. During these days, it is said that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 million times.  We should be mindful of our actions especially on these days.  Meditation practice is strongly encouraged. 

      Chotrul Düchen: During the first two weeks of the new year (Losar).  Depending on the calendar, this time usually occurs during January or February.  During the time of the Buddha, the Buddha displayed a miracle each day to increase the merit and devotion of future disciples. The 15th of the 1st month is the "Day of Miracles". In Tibetan and Bhutan, many people choose to be vegetarian and avoid meat products during this time.

Saga Dawa Düchen: the 15th of the 4th month, Buddha Shakyamuni's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana are celebrated. He was born in Lumbini (current-day Nepal) became enlightened in Bodhgaya (India) and entered parinirvana ("passed away") in Kushinagar (India).  This day usually occurs during the month of May.

Chökhor Düchen: the 4th of the 6th month, the "First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma" (first teaching) is celebrated. For the first seven weeks after his Enlightenment, Buddha did not teach. Encouraged by Indra and Brahma, he then gave his first teachings at Sarnath on the Four Noble Truths.  This day usually occurs during the month of July or August.

     Lhabab Düchen: the 22nd of the 9th month, 'Buddha Shakyamuni's Descent from the Heaven of 33' is celebrated. Buddha's mother had been reborn in Indra's heaven. To repay her kindness and to benefit the gods, Buddha spent three months teaching in the Heaven of 33 to help liberate beings in this God realm. This day usually occurs during the month of November.

 

SOLAR AND LUNAR ECLIPSES

During a partial solar eclipse the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 10,000. During partial lunar eclipse, the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied by 1000 times.  It is strongly advised to be mindful of our actions during these eclipses and meditation practice is strongly encouraged.

 

MONTHLY RECURRING DATES

There are certain auspicious days that are recognized every month.  These certain dates on the lunar calendar have special significance. On the Buddha days (the full moon, new moon and Medicine Buddha days), positive and negative actions are multiplied by 100. We encourage that meditation practice is especially done during these days.  You will see a "tsok" is recommended on certain days.  Even if you do not have a simple tsok, practice meditation.

* Tibetan Day 8th :  Medicine Buddha Day: For those who have Medicine Buddha Practice, you should do this practice or you can at least say the Medicine Buddha mantra (short or long) as much as possible. If you do not have the mantra or practice, then complete your own practice this day with a tsok. The effects of your actions or karma, either positive or negative, are multiplied 100 times so it is very beneficial to do practice.

* Tibetan Day 10th, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) Day:  The day celebrates Guru Rinpoche who renounced his kingdom, practiced yoga and meditation and then eventually attained liberation.  Guru Rinpoche proliferated Buddhism in India, Nepal, Tibetan and Bhutan and did many miraculous events.  If you have the Guru Rinpoche practice, then complete this practice with a tsok. If you do not, then do your own meditation practice with a tsok.

 * Tibetan Day 15th, Full Moon :  Amitabha Buddha or 1000 Buddha Day: This is a day to remember and observe all Buddhas. You should have a tsok and can complete the Buddha Sakyamuni practice or your own meditation practice. It is always important to practice on a new moon. Our actions are multiplied by 100 times on this day so practice is very important. You can have a simple tsok and offer a candle on this day.

* Tibetan 25th  Day, Dakini's day:  On this day, Lama Karma recommends completing the Green Tara practice with a tsok or your own practice in remembrance of Yeshe Tshogyel and Mandarava, two of Guru Rinpoche’s consorts.

* Tibetan 14th and 29th  Day, Mahakala Day: For those who have Mahakala Practice, Lama Karma recommends you should complete this practice. If you do not have this practice, then complete your own practice.

* Tibetan Day, 30th, New Moon :  Buddha Sakyamuni Day: This is a day to remember and observe all Buddhas. You should have a tsok and can complete the Buddha Sakyamuni practice or your own meditation practice. The effects of your actions, either positive or negative are multiplied by 100 times so it is very beneficial to do practice.