On Saka Dawa, we commemorate the Buddha’s birth, awakening, and parinirvana (passing).
In these challenging times, Buddha’s compassionate wisdom teachings offer support and comfort to Buddhists and non-Buddhists, too.
On Saka Dawa—and every day—rejoice in having met the teachings, take advantage of your precious opportunity to practice them, and cultivate your good qualities.
Now, dedicate all this goodness to relieve suffering, to sustain the teachings, and for your own awakening to bring about the welfare of all beings.
All merit accumulated on this special day is multiplied 100 million times.
Ways to celebrate Saka Dawa and create merit
Teachings
- Watch as Ven. Chodron tells the Buddha’s life story.
- Watch Ven. Chodron’s teaching on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness and the Four Truths.
Practices
- Do the Shakyamuni Buddha meditation practice.
- Take and keep the Eight Mahayana Precepts for 24 hours.
- Make special offerings to the Three Jewels on your altar and do the extensive offering practice.
- Make offerings to your teachers and Dharma centers to support continuation of Buddha’s teachings.
- Make offerings to provide food, medical care, or medical equipment for people affected by war, disease, and other afflictions.
- Go here if you’d like to include the Abbey in your Saka Dawa offerings.
- Buddha Hall Updates are here.