Saga Dawa!

June 2nd, is the full moon day of the sacred month of Saga Dawa, the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. This is the most sacred day of the year in Tibetan Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana (death) of the Buddha, and it is believed that all positive and negative actions are multiplied by 100 million as a result.

Traditionally, the holy day and month of Saga Dawa Düchen is observed through practice, generosity, and the performance of meritorious deeds. Sojin, the practice of Life Release, is commonly performed by purchasing animals that are destined to be killed (like worms, crickets, or fish), and releasing them into their natural habitats with prayers and positive aspirations. The act of giving life in this way is believed to extend the practitioner or benefactor's lifespan and create positive circumstances.  Another excellent way to make an offering of life on this special day is to observe a vegetarian diet, a common tradition during the month of Saga Dawa. You can also take an extended vow, creating vast merit through your noble aspiration to reduce suffering.

We would also like to ask that you please remember Nepal on this Saga Dawa Düchen. Although much of the media buzz has settled down, the people of Nepal are still in desperate need of aid in the aftermath of the severe earthquakes experienced over the past couple of months, which claimed more than 8,000 lives and left countless others injured and without food or shelter. If you are able to, please consider making a donation to one of the many reputable organizations tirelessly offering relief on the ground in Nepal, helping to rebuild this sacred region after so much destruction and heartache. A few such organizations are Matthieu Ricard's Karuna Shechen, and Doctors Without Borders. A.S.I.A foundation: http://www.adoptibet.org/wp/en/who-we-are/  and
https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/nepal-village-earthquake-recovery-fund-by-rpcvs