Today, June 7th, is one of the most important in the entire Tibetan Buddhist calendar.

This whole lunar month is called Saka Dawa.  It is the special month in which the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana all occur. In particular, the full moon day, or 15th day (June 7th), marks one of the holiest days in all of Tibetan Buddhism.  It is the day of the Buddha’s Enlightenment and parting into Nirvana.

It is auspicious to perform meritorious activities on this specific day. The merit generated from these virtuous activities increases 100,000-fold on this day in Saka Dawa.

It is a good day to commit to some extra practice, or to put up prayer flags, or to perform any meritorious act.  Even making conscious wishes for the benefit of all sentient beings can have tremendous benefit.

Here is a suggestion for meritorious thoughts on this day:

• May all sentient beings be happy, peaceful and healthy.
• May all sentient beings have ease of being.
  
• May all sentient beings be free from inner and outer harm.
• May all sentient beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

Warmly,

Stephen Koch