Sakadawa - Tibet

Possessing the supreme marks, face immaculate like the full moon,

Golden-coloured one, we prostrate to you.

Free from stains, in the three worlds there is no one like you.

To you who have incomparable wisdom, we prostrate.

 

Commit not a single unwholesome action,

Cultivate a wealth of virtue,

To tame this mind of ours,

This is the teaching of the Buddha.

 

From the 'Praise to Shakyamuni Buddha'.

 

Today is Sakadawa, the day in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism when the Buddha was born, when he gained enlightenment, and when he died. So as you can imagine, it's a pretty special day: like Christmas, Easter, Eid and Hanukka all rolled into one!

 

The month of Sakadawa is usually celebrated with various activities, and one tries to do as many good deeds as possible. Unlike most religions (where animals are eaten to celebrate), people are urged not to consume meat during this month, in order to honour the Buddha. Now I'll leave you with the final words of the Buddha:

 

'All component things pass away. Strive with diligence for your own liberation'.

 

Matt

 

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