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• Calendar: 2011  

Tibetan Calendars

There are at least two different Tibetan calendars.  In popular use is a very old one based on the Phukluk system, but it is not in alignment with observable constellations and seasons.  Therefore, we here rely on the Tsurluk calendar, the revision developed by the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339.) 

• Visit Nithartha's explanation of the Tsurluk system.    

Due to the discrepancy between the two main calendars, we have not yet made the choice for 2011.

Various calendars are available from Namse Bangdzo and also from Snow Lion.

Introduction

Buddha Days

In every Tibetan month, certain days are considered right for certain practices, and on those days the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 times.  For example,

          8th Day -- Medicine Buddha
        15th Day -- Amitabha Buddha
        30th Day -- Shakyamuni Buddha

Other Special Days of the Month

10th Day -- Guru Rinpoche Day

25th Day -- Dakini Day

29th Day -- Dharmapala Day

Four Major Buddhist Festivals

The festivals (Tib. Du.chen) relate to events in the legendary life of Buddha Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha.)  For example, Chotrul Düchen., which occurs during the first 15 days of the Tibetan Buddhist year, commemorates the 15 days on which,  in order to increase the merit and aid the devotion of future disciples, the Buddha displayed a different miracle each day.  At times such as that, the benefits of practice are greatly multiplied.

Special Anniversaries

The anniversaries that are observed can depend upon the denomination and lineage to which one belongs.

Anniversaries which fall in doubled months are usually celebrated in the second month, although they may be celebrated in the first month if more convenient for the practitioner.  [In published calendars, dates of anniversaries are normally indicated in the repeated month.]

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anniversary:  From the Tibetan Buddhist perspective, the anniversary of a lama's death is cause for celebration rather than that of their birth. 

Sogyal Rinpoche wrote:

“However consummate our spiritual mastery may be, we are still limited by the body and its karma. But with the physical release of death comes the most marvelous opportunity to fulfil everything we have been striving for in our practice and our life. Even in the case of a supreme master who has reached the highest realization, the ultimate release, called parinirvana, dawns only at death. That is why in the Tibetan tradition we do not celebrate the birthdays of masters; we celebrate their death, their moment of final illumination.”

Nevertheless, the 17th Karmapa, on the occasion of the celebration at Rumtek Monastery of his 18th birthday in 2006, commented:

Generally, samsara--the cycle of birth, sickness, old age, and death--is a cause of suffering and is to be abandoned. There is nothing about it to celebrate and honor.  However, if a person born in this world is helpful to all sentient beings and serves the teachings of the Buddha, then this kind of birth is not to be belittled and should be praised and honored.

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KARMA KAGYU SPECIAL DAYS cycle calculated by Michael Erlewine follows here. 

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 calendar

• Snow Lion Publications Home Page & their calendar page.

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

   

• Lama Zopa explanation page.

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