Saturday, May 25th
Time: 9:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Shrine Room
Retreat fee: $25 Public, $20 Members
(Includes vegetarian lunch)
Please RSVP by May 20th so we can plan vegetarian lunch
The fourth month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar iscalled “Saka Dawa.” “Dawa” means “month” in Tibetan. Of the 28 major stars tracked in Tibetan astrology, “Saka” is the name of the star which is closest to the earth and thus most prominent at that time. In particular, the full moon day, or 15th day, of the fourth month marks the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the day of the Buddha’s Conception, Enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. It is auspicious to perform meritorious activities on this specific day. The merit generated from these virtuous activities increases 10 million fold on this day in Saka Dawa. This year, that day comes on Saturday, May 25th.
On this auspicious occasion and for the benefit of all sentient beings and world peace, H.E. Dagmo Kusho Sakya will lead a One-Thousand Armed Chenrezi Prayer service at Sakya Monastery. Students can participate in the prayer service for as long as they wish between 9 am and 4 pm. All participants should plan to be vegetarian for the entire day. (No meat, eggs, alcohol, garlic, onions, or ginger.)
Schedule for Saturday
9:00 AM – H.E. Dagmo Kusho gives the Nyung Nye (fasting) vow
10:00 AM – Non-vow participants arrive and everyone will join in the Green Tara Mandala practice and the other practices until Noon
Noon-1:30 PM – Vegetarian lunch for participants
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Practices resumes
3:00 PM – Tea break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Practices resume
4:00 PM – Dedication of Merit
If you must end your retreat early, please remember to dedicate Merit.
Her Eminence Dagmo Kusho Sakya was born in Kham, Eastern Tibet. As the niece of one of the most highly realized Sakya Masters of the twentieth century, H.E. Dezhung Rinpoche III, her training in Buddhist practice began at an early age. She has received extensive teachings and empowerments from many great lamas of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism throughout her lifetime. Dagmola is married to H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya of the Khön lineage, a Head Lama of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism. Dagmola specializes in Tara empowerments, practices, and teachings, and has many students throughout the world.