There are four major special Buddhist
days or "Festivals" (Düchen in Tibetan ) 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 10 million times, so practice Dharma, be a
vegetarian and perform positive virtuous deeds are strongly
advised.
Chotrul Düchen (Wyl. cho 'phrul dus chen),
The 'Festival of Miracles' — one of the four major Buddhist
holidays. On the first full moon (the fifteenth day) of the
first month in Tibetan calendar, is called Bumgyur Dawa. The
first fifteen days of the year marks the anniversary of Buddha
displayed different miracles in 15 days to increase the merit
and the devotion of future disciples. The final day of this
15-day period is known as Chötrul Düchen, day of
Miracles.
Saga
Dawa festival:
Saga Dawa (Tibetan) is the most significant event of the year
for Buddhists as three of the most essential events in
Buddha’s life happened during this month. Saga is
“million”; Dawa is “moon”. Thus, Saga Dawa is the
million multiplier month. Each day, our activities, good or
bad, are multiplied one million times. More specifically, Saga
Dawa includes two important days in the Tibetan calendar. The
first is the Wesak day on which we celebrate the Birth of
Buddha. The second is Saga Dawa Duchen, which was celebrated on
the 15th or full moon of the 4th month of Tibetan calendar. It
marks Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment at the age of 35
under a Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, India. It also marks the
anniversary of the Buddha’s paranirvana. At the age of 80,
Buddha Shakyamuni performed his last deed of entering into
Parinirvana in Kushinagar. These happened on the same date.
Saga Dawa is a good time to strengthen our intention through
enhanced awareness and practice.
Chökhor
Düchen:
On the 4th of the 6th month of
Tibetan calender , the "First Turning of Dharma Wheel " (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 on the Four Noble
Truths at Sarnath, India.
Lha
Bab Düchen:
On the 22nd of the 9th month of Tibetan calender , Buddha
Shakyamuni's Descent from Tushita Heaven (Heaven of 33rd) is
celebrated. Buddha's mother had been reborn in Indra's heaven.
To repay her kindness and to benefit the beings in the god
realm, Buddha spent three months teaching in the Heaven of
Tushita. Buddha’s followers and lay people missed him and
eagerly await his teachings. Ven. Moggallana was requested to
ascent to Tushita Heaven, as a representative, he heartily
invited Buddha to descent to Sankasa. Three ladders dropped
down, with the accompany of Mahabrahman and Lords of Devaloka,
Buddha came back to earth after preaching to his mother. Since
then Vajrayana marked this as one of the four Buddhist
days.
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