Monthly recurring special days for practice
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, several
days a month are marked as important days for practice. Below,
we list the days and practices that are specifically recommended
by Lama
Zopa Rinpoche to be done in the FPMT.
See also our page on Annual
Buddhist Prayer Days.
Calculating using the Tibetan lunar calendar:
Medicine Buddha day
The 8th is a good day or the practices
of Medicine Buddha, Tara or Mahakala, also a good day to take
the 'Mahayana Precepts for one day'.
Guru Rinpoche day
On the 10th of every (Tibetan) month, a special
occasion in the life of Guru Padmasambhava is remembered.
Guru Padmasambhava was a teacher from India who played a very
important role in introducing Buddhism from India to Tibet.
On this day (related to the 'Father Tantras'), people who
have received a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation should perform
the 'tsog ritual', for example using the Guru Puja text.
Sojong
On the 14th or 15th and
the 29th or 30th of every (Tibetan) month, confession
ritual for ordained monks and nuns.
Full moon
The 15th of every (Tibetan) month is a powerful day for practice
in general, a good day for taking the 'Mahayana Precepts for
one day' and Medicine Buddha practice.
Dakini day
On the 25th of every (Tibetan) month, which is related to the 'Mother
Tantras', people who have received a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation
should perform the 'tsog ritual', for example using the Guru
Puja text.
Dharmapala day
The 29th of every (Tibetan) month is a special day for practices f
the Dharma Protectors.
New moon
The 30th of every (Tibetan) month is a powerful day for practice in
general, een krachtige dag voor beoefening, a good day for
taking the 'Mahayana Precepts for one day'
and Medicine Buddha practice.
Mahayana Precepts for one day
It is possible to take eight precepts
(vows) for one day, for the benefit of all sentient beings.
This set of precepts means to refrain from:
- Killing (also animals)
- Stealing
- All sexual conduct
- Lying
- Intoxicating substances (alcohol, recreational drugs,
cigarettes etc.)
- Using thrones or special beds
- Singing, dancing or wearing ornaments like jewellery
- Eating after noon time (usually only one meal, before
noon)
The first time, one needs to take these
precepts from a qualified teacher, only after that, one
can take these precepts by oneself.
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