SAKA DAWA

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

SAKA DAWA, the most auspicious days of Lord Buddha, is now only a few days' away! This year the Saka Dawa month begins on May 17 (Thurs) and ends on June 15 (Fri).
What is SAKA DAWA and why is it so special and important?
There are four special occasions associated with the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. SAKA DAWA is one of them which commemorates Lord Budhda's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. The other three being: the Days of Miracles, Day of the First Turning of Dharma wheel, and the Day of Buddha's Descend from Tushita Heaven.
During this month Shakyamuni Buddha had manifested taking birth in the human realm, achieving perfect enlightenment and entering into parinirvana. Due to these holy activities of Buddha it is believed that any virtuous action created during this month will be multiplied to 100 million times, as often cited by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche according to the Vinaya text "Treasure of Quotations and Logic" (the same applied for negative deeds). Therefore avoiding negative deeds and engaging in positive deeds, especially during this month, is strongly advocated.
What can we do during SAKA DAWA?

Any activity that is virtuous and meritorios is strongly recommanded during this month, especially the practice of taking the 8 Mahayana precepts, Nyung Nay retreat, Guru puja, recitations of the Golden Light Sutra, Sanghata and other Sutras, mantra chanting, water bowl offering (which can be done at LDC!), light offering, offering to the monasteries and sangha community, etc. with extensive dedications at the end of each activity.

What are we doing at LDC for SAKA DAWA this year?
This year we are extremely honored to have Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche spending half of the Saka Dawa month with us in the Center. The activites at LDC during the month/ Rinpoche's visit are as followed:
23rd (Wed) - Teaching & granting Jenang on 21 Taras @ LDC, PJ
25 - 27th (Fri-Sun) - Retreat on Tara @ LDC, PJ
28 & 29th (Mon & Tues) - Teaching @ Chokyi Gyaltsen Center in Penang
31st (Thurs) - Oral Transmission on Golden Light Sutra @ LDC, PJ
1st (Fri) - Rinpoche with Kasih Hospice @ LDC, PJ
2nd (Sat) - Tea with Rinpoche for LDC members only @ LDC, PJ
3rd (Sun) - Long Life Puja @ LDC, PJ

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