Events List

Jan 5, 2020: Daka Day — and Guru Rinpoche Day —  are celebrated on the 10th Tibetan Day in the lunar calendar each month, honoring the “male” embodiments of Enlightened Energy and Father Tantra. These precious events are “healing” and “purifying” meditations, and often highly festival when observed in a group. Although this is an event primarily for Higher Tantric initiates, it is beneficial for anyone to make offerings and participate.

• For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

Feast of Heroes

H.E. Lama Zopa at Lama Chopa Tsog.

As always, with Buddhist offerings, the offerings are not “needed” by self-aware deities or Buddhas. The Enlightened have no need of sensory offerings. In general, offerings are an opportunity for us to earn merit to help overcome our negative karmas and attachments. The act of offering, or generosity, is also the “cure” for the grasping, attached mind. And, then there’s Tsog, which is precious especially to the Enlightened Dakinis and Dakas. [For a story on Dakinis and a previous story on Tsog, see>>]

Chakrasamvara Heruka and Vajrayogini are also Highest Yoga Tantra practices. Heruka, who represents ultimate compassion, is especially honoured on Daka (Hero) Day with Tsog. Here, Heruka is completed by Vajrayogini, who represents wisdom.

In some practices, the Lunar 10th is often called the “Feast of Heroes” (Feast of Dakas) — and is often a celebration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — and the 25th is the “Feast of Heroines” (Feast of Dakinis.) In others, there is no distinction, so both days are called the “Feast of Dakas and Dakinis” or “Feast of Yogis and Yoginis” (Feast of Heroes and Heroines.)

Pandit Ratna Raksherita explained:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
That is called the circle of unification.

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born. He is especially celebrated on the 10th of the Lunar Month. (For more on Guru Rinpoche, see>>)

Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non-dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” — H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra, it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

January 10, 2020 is Amitabha Buddha Day, celebrated by Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhists. On this day, merit is multiplied — a good day to chant Amitabha’s name mantra or the mantra:

• Namo Amitofo  (Name Praise)
• Om Amitabha Hri   (Sanskrit)
• Om Ami Dewa Hri   (Tibetan pronunciation)

“Manifesting himself everywhere, the Buddha of Bliss is infinite, boundless, limitless, unceasing, and of a spiritual nature.” ­— Acvaghosha “Discourse on the Awakening of Faith”

“Namo Amitabha” is a praise chanted in different forms by millions — as a complete practice in itself. He is best known as the Buddha of Compassion. Sometimes he is called the “Buddha of infinite merits” and also “Buddha of Infinite Light.” Amitabha fulfils the “savior” role amongst the Buddhas (together with his spiritual children Avaolokiteshvara and Tara) — this because of his “great vow” in 48 points (see sutra below.) His actual name praise is, in full: “Om Namo Amitabhaya Buddhaya” in Sanskrit. (In Japanese, Namu Amida Butsu)

It is this role, as savior, and the simplicity of his vow and practice that empowers Pure Land practitioners. Pure Land Buddhism takes full refuge in Buddha Amitabha, and a primary practice is to praise his name. Some traditions, such as Jodo-shinshu have Amitabha as the sole deity. Yet, Amitabha is a major aspect of all traditions of Mahayana, loved by millions because of his vow and his limitless compassion.

One of his popular labels is is just “Western Buddha.” Amitabha is the warmth of the western red, setting sun — his name literally means “infinite light” — and he is the refuge of many millions of Buddhists. Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is also associated with the west; some scholars directly relate Shakyamuni to Amitabha

Video with Mantra Om Ami Dewa Hri sung by Yoko Dharma here on Buddha Weekly>>

Feature all about Amitabha Buddha on Buddha Weekly>>

Om Ami Dewa Hri is the mantra of Amitabha Buddha.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the 25th day of each Lunar Month celebrates the Enlightened Dakinis with a Tsog offering.
Dakini Day, celebrated on the 25th day of each lunar month in Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, celebrates the feminine energy of wisdom. Devoted Buddhists will celebrate with a Tsok (Tsog), a feast including food, singing, a group (or single) sadhana full of sound and celebration. The 10th is also celebrated with Daka Tsog to honor Guru Rinpoche and the Heroes (Dakas). Tsog is normally a commitment in higher yogic practices.

For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

• Dakinis are portrayed as elusive, playful and often fierce and naked to symbolically convey how elusive true Wisdom encompassing “Emptiness” can be.

Dakini Tsog Days 2020

Important: Dakini day is Mother Tantra Tsog, on the 25th of the Lunar month.

VIEW ALL DAKINI DAY DATES ON THE BUDDHA WEEKLY ONLINE DHARMA CALENDAR>>

Without contradiction to their role as exemplars of Emptiness, Dakinis can also represent fierce activities, such as protection (Green Tara and Palden Lhamo) — the ferocious protective love of a mother [For a story on Palden Lhamo, the female protector, view here>>]. Most Tibetan Buddhist temples and meditation centres try to arrange a monthly Tsog on this day each month, with celebrants bringing food as offerings. It is always a happy day, that invites blessings not only for the attendees, but for all sentient beings.

Padmasambhava described Dakinis as “the bestower of excellent blessings.” [3]

Black Troma Nagmo Lion Faced Dakini. Wrathful Dakinis represent “active” Female wisdom. For more on the “psychology Wrathful deities see>>

What is a Dakini?

The Dakini represents the divine feminine. (Khandroma in Tibetan, K’ung-hsing fo-mu in Chinese.) Dakini practices focus on Enlightened Feminine (although there are also some “unenlightened Dakinis”) — the Enlightened Dakinis such as Vajrayogini or Vajravarahi. Dakini can also refer to female sangha, teachers and students who might be exemplars of the path.

In Buddhism, typically, the male Buddhas represent compassionate means, epitomized in Avaolokiteshvara (Chenrezig), while the female Buddhas represent Wisdom, typically exemplified in Tara or Vajrayogini. The symbols of bell and vajra (Ghanta and Dorje) represent female wisdom — the bell, which makes the sound of “Emptiness” — and the Vajra, representing compassionate means.

The bell, on the left, represents Enlightened Feminine Wisdom while the Vajra (right) represents “Male” Compassionate Means.

The Dakini is almost always an advanced practice, or Highest Yoga Tantra, largely because their practice explores the challenging notion of “Emptiness” (not be be confused with Nothingness. (For an article on Emptiness, see>>)

Padmasambhava, the great Eight Century Enlightened Yogi of Tibet, “reasoned that women are better equipped to realize the wisdom of the teachings…” [1]

Playful, Naked and Elusive

Just as true wisdom is “elusive”, the female enlightened, in the form of Dakinis, is very “elusive and playful.” [1] Dakinis recognize that true wisdom does not come from intellectual debate and meditative contemplation alone. The elusive wisdom of Dakinis is the ultimate wisdom of Emptiness.

Khandro Rinpoche.

Khandro Rinpoche defines the authentic dakini principle as “a very sharp, brilliant wisdom mind that is uncompromising, honest, with a little bit of wrath.” [1]

Dakini’s have always been a part of Buddhism, starting with the Jataka’s (stories of Buddha’s former lives) in which “divine beings are described as travelling through the air. In Sanskrit, such a being is called a dakini, a term generally translated as “space-goer,” “celestial woman,” or “cloud fairy.”” [2]

Dakinis are typically thought of as the emanation of the “Enlightened Mind” understanding Emptiness. Another concept usually tied to Dakini practice is “bliss” — the state of blissful awareness of emptiness.

It is a wonderful experience to have a moment that realizes emptiness, a feeling of joy-bliss rather than “nothingness.” This is why Dakinis are often portrayed as active, dancing, joyful or fierce, naked and unencumbered.

There are also male aspects, called Dakas. Typically, the 25th day of the lunar month is focused on Dakinis, while the 10th day of the lunar month (which is also a Tsok feast day) is for the Dakas — and also to celebrate Guru Rinpoche Day.

• More on Dakinis and Tsog here>>

Siddharta Buddha Day — Lunar New Year’s Eve (tomorrow is Lunar New Year!) — is celebrated on the 30th Day of the Lunar Month of the last month — New Moon Day. On this day, we strive to uphold every Precept perfectly to honor the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path taught by the Buddha. [For a feature on the Four Noble Truths, see>>]

This day is traditionally a day of “multiplied merit” — and also an opportunity to purify before the Lunar New Year. A wonderful practice today would be to chant the mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha as much as possible.

Here, Yoko Dharma beautifully sings the mantra. Chant along with her with beautiful meditative images of the Buddha>>

From our team at Buddha Weekly, we wish you Happiness, Good Fortune and Good Health in 2020!

Chinese New Year, following the Lunar calendar, typically falls a month or so (it varies) after solar Western New Year, and almost one month before Losar (Tibetan New Year — which this year is on February 24, 2020.).

Happy Chinese New Year 2020: Year of the Metal Rat.

A Time to Purify?

Several traditions have become associated with Chinese New Year, most famously the “lucky packets” — little red envelopes filled with money. It is also a time to purify and try to encourage good luck in the New Year through positive resolutions, similar to Western New Year’s resolution.

In some Buddhist traditions, for weeks or days running up to New Year’s, it is considered beneficial to purify negative karmas lingering from the previous year. By doing so, we don’t carry the burden into the new year.

Vajrasattva Practice

In Tibetan traditions, this might mean reciting hundreds or thousands of Vajrasattva mantas. Vajrasattva, the Buddha of Purity, who — if engaged with the four opponent powers — helps us purify all negative mental and physical karmic imprints.

Whether Buddhist or not, the four opponent powers are easily acknowledged as an “effective” method, from both a human — and a psychological — point of view, to remedy the harm caused by negative actions. The opponent powers, as described by Venerable Thubten Chodron, are:

• Regret: not to be confused with guilt. We acknowledge our responsibilities.
• Restoring the Relationship: After acknowledging, we restore our vow to not harm through taking Refuge and altruistic activities.
• Determination Not to Repeat: we make a promise to ourselves.
• Remedial Action: we try to mitigate or fix the harm. This can be apologies, altruistic acts, and purification practices such as Vajrasattva

More in this feature on Karma and Vajrasattva>>

Feb 4, 2020: Daka “Hero” Day — and Guru Rinpoche Day — are celebrated on the 10th Tibetan Day in the lunar calendar each month, honoring the “male” embodiments of Enlightened Energy and Father Tantra. These precious events are “healing” and “purifying” meditations, and often highly festival when observed in a group. Although this is an event primarily for Higher Tantric initiates, it is beneficial for anyone to make offerings and participate.

• For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

Feast of Heroes

H.E. Lama Zopa at Lama Chopa Tsog.

As always, with Buddhist offerings, the offerings are not “needed” by self-aware deities or Buddhas. The Enlightened have no need of sensory offerings. In general, offerings are an opportunity for us to earn merit to help overcome our negative karmas and attachments. The act of offering, or generosity, is also the “cure” for the grasping, attached mind. And, then there’s Tsog, which is precious especially to the Enlightened Dakinis and Dakas. [For a story on Dakinis and a previous story on Tsog, see>>]

Chakrasamvara Heruka and Vajrayogini are also Highest Yoga Tantra practices. Heruka, who represents ultimate compassion, is especially honoured on Daka (Hero) Day with Tsog. Here, Heruka is completed by Vajrayogini, who represents wisdom.

In some practices, the Lunar 10th is often called the “Feast of Heroes” (Feast of Dakas) — and is often a celebration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — and the 25th is the “Feast of Heroines” (Feast of Dakinis.) In others, there is no distinction, so both days are called the “Feast of Dakas and Dakinis” or “Feast of Yogis and Yoginis” (Feast of Heroes and Heroines.)

Pandit Ratna Raksherita explained:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
That is called the circle of unification.

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born. He is especially celebrated on the 10th of the Lunar Month. (For more on Guru Rinpoche, see>>)

Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non-dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” — H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra, it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

February 24 (depending on your timezone): Losar is our opportunity to purify our past negative actions (Karma) and bring auspiciousness and merit into the new year. For the weeks leading up to Losar, it is best to engage in various purification practices, depending on your tradition. In Tibet, Losar is the Iron Mouse Year.

Then, after New Year, various traditions are celebrated:

New Year’s Eve: Gutu

Unlike western New Year’s Eve, which is a great big party, for Lunar New Year usually the evening before is dedicated to “getting rid of the nasty old business.” There are plenty of cool traditions, most notably purification. Your teacher might recommend sessions of Vajrasattva practice, or 35 Buddhas practice, or your Yidam practice to purify negative karmas before the New Year.

Other traditions include things such as family dinner of traditional dumpling soup — into which the hosts place white pebbles, hot chillies, etc. into the soup. Whatever you find in your dumpling means something. Chili, for example, means you’re too talkative. Salt or rice in the dumpling is auspicious. A stone means to loosen up that “hard heart.” This is a local custom and caution in eating dumplings with stones is warranted.

Torch, sage and crossroads?

The other traditional activities are the dances to chase away evil spirits, ghosts, demons and inner demons — and negative karma. In the house, this might include carrying a torch — today, for fire safety, probably a bunch of sage or herbs as a purifying incense — to “chase away” these evil spirits. Usually, you shout out “Get out! Get out!” You then, ideally take the torch or bunch of sage to a crossroads — in areas where this is popular, many road crossings are simply smouldering.

Other similar traditions include a parade or procession of people carrying food for ghosts — hungry ghosts like treats — luring them to a big campfire, then throwing the food into the campfire. The food becomes “edible” for the ghosts — and meanwhile, they’re out of your house.

Losar, and the next 2 days

Ideally, colourful clothing ushers in the New Year. It is traditional to offer to the Buddhas, Dakinis, Protectors before eating. In most areas, it would be traditional to exchange Katas (white scarves). Especially, for at least the first two days, be mindful of all language, especially no profanity. Avoid saying words out loud that are negative, like “kill”, “butcher”, “sick”, and so on.

Losar — The First 15 Days

Whether you believe in astrology or not, Buddhist tradition generally holds that the first 15 days of the New Year are the most important — and most especially February 5, the first day of the year. The merits of practice and karma are “multiplied” according to many sutras and tantras and teachers. A must-do: check with your local Buddhist centres for Losar events to bring in the New Year right.

he first moon of the New Year (Lunar) is Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day celebrating Buddha’s Miracles — often celebrated with a butter lamp festival. The festival of Buddha’s fifteen miracles actually begins on Losar (New Year), this year on January 25 (2020.) For 15 consecutive days, the faithful celebrate the 15 days of miracles. It is said by teachers of Vajrayana lineage, that these are “multiplying” days — where all merits and all negative acts are magnified “millions” of times. Millions, is usually translated as “many.”

For a detailed story, in two parts, on the Fifteen Miracles of Buddha, see:

• 15 Miracles of Buddha, part 1 of a full feature on Buddha’s Fifteen Miracles>>
• 15 Miracles and 15 Days, part 2 of a full feature on Buddha’s Fifteen Miracles>>

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day one of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day one — miracle one

On the first day of spring, Buddha went to the field that had been prepared for him and sat upon the lion throne before the multitude. After King Prasenajit’s great offerings, the Tathagata took a toothpick and placed it in the ground. It grew at once into a marvelous tree. On its branches, which extended for kilometers, grew beautiful leaves, flowers, fruit, and jewels of every kind. The multi-colored light emanating from the jewels was as brilliant as the light of the sun and moon combined. When the branches of the tree rustled in the wind, the sounds of the teaching were heard. Then Buddha himself spoke to the multitude. Many of the people listening progressed greatly – some attained arhatship and millions ripened the seeds for rebirth in the high states of humans or gods.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day two of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day two — miracle two

On the second day of spring, King Udrayana made great offerings to Buddha. The Tathagata then turned his head right and left, and on either side of the lion throne, a jewel mountain emerged. On each mountain flowed a magical spring whose water had eight different tastes. One mountain was covered with lush grass to feed and satisfy animals, while the other was covered with special food to satisfy humans. Buddha then spoke the teaching according to each person’s ability, and many were freed. Some of those present generated the supreme bodhi–mind, and many established the inclination for rebirth as humans or gods.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day three of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day three — miracle three

On the third day, King Shun Tsin of War made offerings to the Tathagata. After eating, Buddha rinsed his mouth with water. On the ground where the water fell, a great lake formed which extended for three hundred kilometers. The water had eight tastes, and the bottom of the lake was covered with seven kinds of jewels. Great quantities of lotus flowers of every color grew on its surface, and their fragrance filled the air; by the rays of light extending from them in all directions, the people could see everywhere. When the people saw this, they were very happy, and when Buddha taught, some attained arhatship, some increased their bodhi mind, and many others attained the seeds of rebirth in the worlds of humans or gods.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day four of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day four — miracle four

On the fourth day King Indravarma prepared the offerings for Buddha. Buddha created a pool from which eight streams flowed outward in circular paths, and to which they returned. In the sound of the streams people heard the teachings of the five powers, the five strengths, the seven aspects of bodhi-mind, the eightfold path, the three principles of the path to liberation, the six kinds of omniscience and the four immeasurables. From this teaching many attained understanding of the effects of Buddhahood and many attained rebirth in the high states of humans or gods. Hundreds of thousands increased their virtuous work.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day five of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day five — miracle five

On the fifth day King Brahmadatta of Varanasi prepared various offerings for Buddha. From the Tathagata shone a golden light that filled the entire world. This light reached all living beings and purified the defilements of the three poisons: desire, hatred and ignorance. All beings became peaceful in body and mind, and those assembled rejoiced greatly. When Buddha spoke, many increased their bodhi-mind, many planted seeds of rebirth as humans or gods, and a countless number increased their virtuous work.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day six of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day six — miracle six

On the sixth day the Licchavi people made offerings to Buddha. Buddha then enabled all who were there to see into each other’s minds and each one saw the others’ good and bad thoughts. All experienced great faith and praised the knowledge of Buddha. The Tathagata then taught the holy Dharma and many attained great understanding – some attained bodhi-mind, some arhatship and an immeasurable number attained rebirth as humans and gods.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day seven of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day seven — miracle seven

On the seventh day, Buddha’s own clan, the Sakyas, made offerings to him. He blessed all the listeners so that they became great chakravartins (universal Kings that support the Dharma), each possessing seven magic jewels. Each ruled his own small country and had many respectful ministers. All were very happy with this and when Buddha spoke they had great faith. Having increased their bodhi-mind, many attained arhatship and others sowed seeds of rebirth as humans or gods.

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

Thangka depicted the 15 days of Buddha’s Miracles at Shravasti.

The festival celebrating the 15 miracles of the Buddha begins on New  Years Day (Lunar), this year on January 25, 2020. In addition to being LOSAR, New Year’s Day — the Year of the Iron Mouse or Metal Rat — day eight of the lunar year celebrates the first miracle of Shakyamuni Buddha:

Day eight — miracle eight

On the eighth day Indra invited Buddha and prepared a great lion throne. When the Tathagata was seated, Indra himself made offerings on Buddha’s left while Brahma made offerings on his right. They bowed down before him, while the people sat quietly. Buddha placed his right hand on the lion throne in the earth touching mudra, and there was a great sound of trumpeting elephants.

Five fierce demons came roaring forth and the thrones of the six teachers were destroyed. After the demons, Vajrapani came, with flames shooting from the point of his vajra. The six teachers were terrified and jumped into the water and disappeared. Their teachers having deserted them, the ninety thousand attendants took refuge in Buddha and asked to become fully ordained monks. Buddha welcomed them and the matted locks and beards that had marked them as disciples of the six teachers miraculously disappeared.

Buddha taught all of them according to their abilities to understand. Freeing themselves from the fetters of desire, hatred and ignorance, each attained arhatship. Then the Tathagata radiated eighty-four thousand rays of light from the pores of his body, so that the light filled the entire sky. On the point of each ray was a beautiful lotus, and on top of each lotus appeared a Buddha along with his attendants. Each Buddha was teaching the Tathagata’s doctrine. All felt joy at this sight, and their faith was greatly increased. Then Buddha spoke the holy Dharma and many increased their bodhi-mind, some attaining arhatship, and a countless number produced the inclination to take rebirth as humans or gods.

• See our full feature on Vajrapani’s fire>>

• Introduction to the Fifteen Miracles (Part 1 of an in-depth feature on the Miracles of the Buddha)>>
• For a more in-depth feature on the 15 miracles plus the sutra references, (Part 2) see>>

Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa)

On the 15th day of the New Year, all fifteen miracles are celebrated on Chotrul Cuchen (Chunga Choepa), the Day of Buddha’s Miracles, this year on February 8, 2020 (Which is Lunar Month 1, Day 15 (Lunar January).

March 4, 2020: Daka Day — and Guru Rinpoche Day —  are celebrated on the 10th Tibetan Day in the lunar calendar each month, honoring the “male” embodiments of Enlightened Energy and Father Tantra. These precious events are “healing” and “purifying” meditations, and often highly festival when observed in a group. Although this is an event primarily for Higher Tantric initiates, it is beneficial for anyone to make offerings and participate.

• For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

Feast of Heroes

H.E. Lama Zopa at Lama Chopa Tsog.

As always, with Buddhist offerings, the offerings are not “needed” by self-aware deities or Buddhas. The Enlightened have no need of sensory offerings. In general, offerings are an opportunity for us to earn merit to help overcome our negative karmas and attachments. The act of offering, or generosity, is also the “cure” for the grasping, attached mind. And, then there’s Tsog, which is precious especially to the Enlightened Dakinis and Dakas. [For a story on Dakinis and a previous story on Tsog, see>>]

Chakrasamvara Heruka and Vajrayogini are also Highest Yoga Tantra practices. Heruka, who represents ultimate compassion, is especially honoured on Daka (Hero) Day with Tsog. Here, Heruka is completed by Vajrayogini, who represents wisdom.

In some practices, the Lunar 10th is often called the “Feast of Heroes” (Feast of Dakas) — and is often a celebration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — and the 25th is the “Feast of Heroines” (Feast of Dakinis.) In others, there is no distinction, so both days are called the “Feast of Dakas and Dakinis” or “Feast of Yogis and Yoginis” (Feast of Heroes and Heroines.)

Pandit Ratna Raksherita explained:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
That is called the circle of unification.

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born. He is especially celebrated on the 10th of the Lunar Month. (For more on Guru Rinpoche, see>>)

Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non-dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” — H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra, it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

April 3, 2020: Daka “Hero” Day — and Guru Rinpoche Day — are celebrated on the 10th Tibetan Day in the lunar calendar each month, honoring the “male” embodiments of Enlightened Energy and Father Tantra. These precious events are “healing” and “purifying” meditations, and often highly festival when observed in a group. Although this is an event primarily for Higher Tantric initiates, it is beneficial for anyone to make offerings and participate.

• For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

Feast of Heroes

H.E. Lama Zopa at Lama Chopa Tsog.

As always, with Buddhist offerings, the offerings are not “needed” by self-aware deities or Buddhas. The Enlightened have no need of sensory offerings. In general, offerings are an opportunity for us to earn merit to help overcome our negative karmas and attachments. The act of offering, or generosity, is also the “cure” for the grasping, attached mind. And, then there’s Tsog, which is precious especially to the Enlightened Dakinis and Dakas. [For a story on Dakinis and a previous story on Tsog, see>>]

Chakrasamvara Heruka and Vajrayogini are also Highest Yoga Tantra practices. Heruka, who represents ultimate compassion, is especially honoured on Daka (Hero) Day with Tsog. Here, Heruka is completed by Vajrayogini, who represents wisdom.

In some practices, the Lunar 10th is often called the “Feast of Heroes” (Feast of Dakas) — and is often a celebration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — and the 25th is the “Feast of Heroines” (Feast of Dakinis.) In others, there is no distinction, so both days are called the “Feast of Dakas and Dakinis” or “Feast of Yogis and Yoginis” (Feast of Heroes and Heroines.)

Pandit Ratna Raksherita explained:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
That is called the circle of unification.

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born. He is especially celebrated on the 10th of the Lunar Month. (For more on Guru Rinpoche, see>>)

Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non-dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” — H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra, it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

May 3, 2020: Daka “Hero” Day — and Guru Rinpoche Day — are celebrated on the 10th Tibetan Day in the lunar calendar each month, honoring the “male” embodiments of Enlightened Energy and Father Tantra. These precious events are “healing” and “purifying” meditations, and often highly festival when observed in a group. Although this is an event primarily for Higher Tantric initiates, it is beneficial for anyone to make offerings and participate.

• For a full story on “What is Tsog” see this feature>>

Feast of Heroes

H.E. Lama Zopa at Lama Chopa Tsog.

As always, with Buddhist offerings, the offerings are not “needed” by self-aware deities or Buddhas. The Enlightened have no need of sensory offerings. In general, offerings are an opportunity for us to earn merit to help overcome our negative karmas and attachments. The act of offering, or generosity, is also the “cure” for the grasping, attached mind. And, then there’s Tsog, which is precious especially to the Enlightened Dakinis and Dakas. [For a story on Dakinis and a previous story on Tsog, see>>]

Chakrasamvara Heruka and Vajrayogini are also Highest Yoga Tantra practices. Heruka, who represents ultimate compassion, is especially honoured on Daka (Hero) Day with Tsog. Here, Heruka is completed by Vajrayogini, who represents wisdom.

In some practices, the Lunar 10th is often called the “Feast of Heroes” (Feast of Dakas) — and is often a celebration of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — and the 25th is the “Feast of Heroines” (Feast of Dakinis.) In others, there is no distinction, so both days are called the “Feast of Dakas and Dakinis” or “Feast of Yogis and Yoginis” (Feast of Heroes and Heroines.)

Pandit Ratna Raksherita explained:

Those doing the activities of the heroes, it is called the feast of the heroes,
Similarly, those doing the activities of yoginis, it is called the feast of the heroines,
Those whose minds are enriched with control of the circle
Of the integrated method and wisdom,
That is called the circle of unification.

Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born. He is especially celebrated on the 10th of the Lunar Month. (For more on Guru Rinpoche, see>>)

Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non-dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” — H.E. Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra, it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.