June 25, 2023

Saka Dawa Day Speach 2023

35 minutes

Saka Dawa, is an important Buddhist holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing away) of the Buddha. In Tibetan, ‘Saka’ refers to the lunar month, which falls during May or June; while ‘Dawa’ is the Tibetan word for ‘month’. Therefore, Saka Dawa represents the "Month of Saka" or the lunar month of observance. Traditionally, during the month of Saka Dawa, it’s said that any merit gained is amplified 100,000 times. Merit is generated through study, practice, reciting sutras and mantras, engaging in pilgrimages, circumambulating monasteries and holy sites, and by performing acts of altruism and generosity. SBT, following the western calendar, celebrates Saka Dawa throughout the month of June, culminating with our Day of Observance online retreat on the final Sunday, which is today.

For SBT, Saka Dawa is a time to focus deeply on our spiritual growth and awakening, through study, practice, and engaging with sangha.

Venerable Tarpa is an American Buddhist monk in the Tibetan Tradition who offers a modern and progressive presentation of the Buddha's teachings, favoring a more secular approach. Ven. Tarpa is well known for his pragmatic, no-nonsense views, his ability to clarify complex philosophical points for all audiences, and his familiarity with all traditions of Buddhist thought and non-Buddhist traditions as well.

For free original Buddhist study material and to learn more about Venerable Tarpa visit his website at: http://SBTonline.org

#Buddhism #SecularBuddhism #Meditation

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