There are four Great Festival Days throughout the year that celebrate different significant aspects of the life of the Buddha. On these days, positive or negative actions are multiplied by 10 Million times.
CHOTRUL DUCHEN: Display of Miraculous Activities
15TH day of the first month of the New Year
On the first fifteen days of the New Year, the Buddha displayed a different miracle each day in order to increase the merit and aid in the devotion of future disciples.
In India at that time, the Buddha was being challenged by the various philosophical schools of the day in a contest of miraculous powers. For fifteen days, the Buddha displayed a miracle and completely defeated his opponents. His students were inspired by this display and it increased their faith and devotion.
SAGA DAWA DUCHEN: The Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana
Of the Lord Buddha Shakyamuni
15th day of the fourth month (full moom)
This day marks the day when the Buddha attained Enlightenment at Bodhgaya at age 35. It also marks his Parinirvana at age 81. Both of these events happened on the same day, the full moon of the fourth lunar month. The birth of the Buddha happened on the 7th day and is also celebrated on this holiday.
In general, the entire fourth month is regarded as important. In the words of the Buddha:
Individuals who are involved in practice of Dharma should make a strong effort to do extra practice during this particular month. During this month, any wholesome or virtuous action that we do brings benefits of one million times.
CHOKHOR DUCHEN: The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
4th day of the sixth lunar month
For seven weeks after Lord Buddha Shakyamuni attained Enlightenment, he did give any teachings. After being encouraged to teach by Indra and Brahma, he turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time at Saranath, by teaching the “Four Noble Truths.”
LHA BAB DUCHEN: The Descent from Tushita Heaven
22nd day of the ninth lunar month
Lord Buddha’s mother was reborn in Indra’s Heaven. To repay her kindness and to liberate his mother as well as to benefit the gods, Buddha spent three months in the realm of the gods giving teachings. This holiday represents Buddha’s descent from Tushita’s heaven. Also, traditionally in the monasteries this is regarded as a good time to begin renovations.
