Celebrate Lama Tsongkhapa Day

Sunday, December 18, 2022

All merit accumulated on this day is multiplied 100,000 times

Buddhist statue with flowers

Lama Tsongkhapa

Lama Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa (1357-1419) was one of Tibetan Buddhism’s greatest scholars and yogis.

His brilliant illumination of Buddha’s teachings shines through to this day in his Lamrim ChenmoThe Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenmentand many other profound texts. His spiritual heirs include His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

To celebrate, you can read or listen to Ven. Chodron’s talk on Tsongkhapa’s great kindness and her personal experiences of visiting his meditation cave in Tibet.

Then do some of the practices suggested below.

Traditionally, Lama Tsongkhapa Day is celebrated with many light offerings.

May the light of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, always increase!

nun lights butter lamps

How to celebrate Lama Tsongkhapa Day and create merit

We need a tremendous amount of merit to meet with Tsongkhapa’s teachings. Rejoice in your fortune, take advantage of your precious opportunity, and dedicate for your own awakening and for all sentient beings.

Community rejoices after ordination.

“In regions where the supreme precious teaching has not spread or where it has spread but then declined,

With my heart deeply moved by great compassion,
may I illuminate this treasure of happiness and benefit.”

 – Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419)