The 'Holy Month' (Saka Dawa) begins with today's new moon (May 14), and continues for a whole lunar month (the Tibetan word 'dawa' means both 'moon' and 'month') until June 13. This is a period during which the consequences of the virtuous actions performed is multiplied ten million times, both in terms of the merit earned, and (one hopes) the effect obtained. In practical terms that would mean that coin given to a beggar would assure the donor of not needing to beg in his/her next life, or a sojourn in some fabulous heavenly spa after death, or both. The coin should last the beggar a very long time, as well. I think it was the Buddha, who considered the the understanding of Karma as one of the imponderables, still, people want a story. In terms of Tibetan life, this is a good time to shake off the winter blues, don a new chuba, and get out, best foot forward. Many poojas are performed in homes and monasteries, entire villages go on pilgrimage, especially to Kang Rimpoche (MT Kailash) and Lhasa. The full moon of this month is also special. It is celebrated as the anniversary of the day on which the Buddha was born, attained Elightenment and (subsequently) Parinirvana. A special post of prayer flags is raised at Tarboche. near Kang Rimpoche. Thousands attend that event. This year, the full moon of Saka Dawa coincides with the full moon celebrating the Buddha's birth, etc., on the Hindu calendar. Usually that Poornima is in the lunar month of Vaisakha, but this year it occurs a month later, in the month of Jyestha. Some sort of adjustment for the shortcomings of the lunar calender must have occured.
Back to saka Dawa - do good, feel good, and be happy. All sentient being are counting on you...
The Buddha Life
Raising the Flag at Tarboche
Buddha Jayanti in Swayambhu
Billy
