• Calendar:  JULY 2009

Tibetan Calendars

There are at least two different Tibetan calendars.  The one that is still in most widespread use is a very old one based on the Phukluk system.  To bring the calendar into alignment with observable constellations and seasons, the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339) made revisions.  As of February 2009, this revised Tsurluk calendar is the one we are using. 

• Visit Nithartha's explanation of the Tsurluk system.    

You may have noticed that the Chinese and Tibetan New Years corresponded closely in 2007 & 2008, but in 2009 there was a month's difference.

We try to integrate the Nalandabodhi calendar, prepared under the direction of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, with input from the one from Rigpa (under Sogyal Rinpoche.)  When there is a discrepancy we use information from the first one.  Both are available at Snow Lion.

• Snow Lion Publications Home & their calendar page.

Introductory explanations (Snow Lion Publications) :

Chotrul Düchen: The first fifteen days of the Tibetan Buddhist year are celebrated in commemoration of the 15 days on which,  in order to increase the merit and aid devotion of future disciples,  Buddha displayed a different miracle each day.

Anniversaries which fall in doubled months are usually celebrated in the second month, although they may also be celebrated in the first month if that is more convenient for the practitioner.  Here, dates of anniversaries are indicated in the repeated month.

*100, 000 multiplying month; practice is emphasized.

**Buddha's Day -- on these days the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 times.
          8th Day - Medicine Buddha
        15th Day - Amitabha Buddha
        30th Day - Shakyamuni Buddha

**The four Great Festivals (düchen) of the year relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, at which time the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied . . .  .

**Guru Rinpoche Day - Celebrated on the 10th of the Tibetan month.

**Dakinis' Day - Celebrated on the 25th of the Tibetan month.

**Dharmapalas' Day - the 29th of the Tibetan month.

**Sojong - (a practice of confession) instituted by Vasubandu, a "Second Buddha"
On sojong days the observance of the Eight Vows of Mahayana Sojong (to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication; not to take a high or luxurious seat, not to sing, dance or wear ornaments, and not to eat after midday) of the practice of Narak Kong Shak is recommended.

Sojong (Practice of Confession) by Supreme Master Padmasambhava, the Second Buddha:        

        To fully restore all positivity,
        To clear away all negativity;
        To replenish (so) virtue and purify (jong) harmful deeds;
        The Tathagata has taught the practice of Sojong.

**In this timeline the western days of the month are listed first, then the Tibetan days in parentheses.

**In the Tibetan system sometimes days are doubled or omitted.  Special days which fall on double days are usually celebrated on the second day, but may be celebrated on the first day if more convenient for the practitioner.  Special days which fall on missing days are usually celebrated on the preceding day.

When it is inauspicious to hang prayer flags is also indicated.  Generally, Monday is not a good day to hang flags and Friday is very good. 

• Below the calendar is the KARMA KAGYU SPECIAL DAYS cycle calculated by Michael Erlewine. 

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INAUSPICIOUS or UNFAVOURABLE DAYS

Though Monday is a good day to hang flags and Friday isvery good,  some Inauspicious Days for Hanging Prayer Flags are: 

• 10th and 22nd of the First, Fifth and Ninth Tibetan months
• 7th and 19th of the Second, Sixth and Tenth    "   months
• 4th and 16th of the Third, Seventh and Eleventh "   months
• 1st and 13th of the Fourth, Eighth and Twelfth "    months.

Karma Kagyu Anniversaries (Birth of 17th Karmapa was 8th day of 5th Tibetan month,  but is celebrated "internationally" on June 26th.)

Calendar Links

• Karma Kagyu monastic calendar at Rumtek, Sikkim

• Kalachakra system and the calendar

• Snow Lion Publications Home Page & their calendar page.

  • Please direct any Snow Lion calendar questions to erinriddle@snowlionpub.com  

   

• Lama Zopa explanation page.