Important Buddha Dharma Dates for December, 2023
Virtuous and auspicious Dharma Days are an important way to create merit supportive of Dharma Practice. The lunar and annual Dharma Dates, by tradition, amplify the merit of all Dharma activities.
According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, based on the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, “karmic results are multiplied one hundred million times.”
Whether you take that as literal — many of us do — or symbolic of the importance of these days, it is auspicious for Buddhist practitioners to honor the special days. The full calendar of Dharma Dates is always available on our Dharma Dates Page>>
December 7, 2023
Annual Lama Tsongkhapa Day
Ganden Ngamchoe
Anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Parinirvana
On the Tibetan Calendar Month 10, 25th Day, year 2150 is the day we celebrate and honor the great Enlightened Being Lama Tsongkhapa — the anniversary of his Paranirvana!
Traditionally a day of light offerings, there are many other practices one can do to celebrate, and create merit, on this special day.
Read more about this important day>>
December 7
Monthly Dakini Day
and Tsog Offering
Dakini Tsog (Tsok) is always offered and celebrated on the 25th day of each lunar month in Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, celebrating the feminine energy of wisdom, and is a commitment for Highest Yoga Tantra practitioners — especially sacred for practitioners of Vajrayogini or Chittamani Tara. Devoted Buddhists will celebrate with a Tsok (Tsog), a feast including food, singing, a group (or single) sadhana full of sound and celebration.
December 8
Bodhi Day
Awakening Day!
Bodhi Day is the precious day we celebrate Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment, primarily in Mahayana Buddhist traditions. Although it is, perhaps, the most important day of the Buddhist calendar — celebrating the ultimate goal of the path, Enlightenment — it is a quiet day in most traditions. It is meant to be a day of contemplation, practice, and purification. For this reason, there are no parades or fireworks.
December 12
New Moon
Auspicious for All Practices
New Moon dates are the 30th of the Tibetan month and are considered auspicious and meritorious for all practices, especially Tara, Medicine Buddha, Chenrezig Avalokiteshvara, Shakyamuni Buddha or other Sadhanas, Pujas and Offerings.
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Lee Kane
Author | Buddha Weekly
Lee Kane is the editor of Buddha Weekly, since 2007. His main focuses as a writer are mindfulness techniques, meditation, Dharma and Sutra commentaries, Buddhist practices, international perspectives and traditions, Vajrayana, Mahayana, Zen. He also covers various events.
Lee also contributes as a writer to various other online magazines and blogs.
