Observing Saka Dawa of Tibetan Buddhism
2020
Saka Dawa's observations take place in the fourth Tibetan month, which in 2020 starts on 23 May and ends on 21 June. Dawa means "month" in Tibetan. The term Saka comes from Tibetan astrology, and the star Saka is associated with the full moon of the fourth lunar month. Tibetans observe the Saka Dawa, the most sacred of Buddhist festivals. It is a holy month in which we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of Buddha Shakyamuni.
The merit of every good deed you perform during this month is thought to be multiplied many times a hundred thousand times. So Saka Dawa is a good time to devote yourself to spiritually positive actions. The most sacred of all is Saka Dawa's full moon day, the 15th of the month, which is the date most commonly associated not only with Buddha's birth, but also with his enlightenment and parinirvana. The 15th of the month, also called Saka Dawa Duchen, will fall on June 5th.
Some good deeds that are commonly done to accumulate merit during Saka Dawa, especially on the 15th day, are:
Refrain from eating meat.
Offer donations.
Prayer and recitation of mantras.
Make prostrations.
Give money to beggars.
Offer lamps.
Make pilgrimages.
Make pilgrimages.
Release animals that will be killed.
It is also very common to take the eight mahayana precepts for twenty-four hours during Saka Dawa, especially on the full moon on the 15th day of Saka Dawa. The full moon day is considered more powerful for the accumulation of merit. The eight precepts are:
1. 1. Avoid killing, directly or indirectly.
2. 2. Avoid stealing and taking things without their owner's permission.
3. 3. Avoid sexual contact.
4. Avoid lying and deceiving others.
5. 5. Avoid intoxicants: alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs. (You can take prescription drugs).
6. 6. Avoid eating more than one meal that day. The meal is taken before noon. At other times of the day you can take light drinks. Avoid eating meat, chicken, fish, eggs, onions, garlic and radishes.
7. 7. Avoid using too luxury chair and bed. Also avoid sitting on animal skins.
8. 8. Avoid wearing jewelry, perfume and makeup with attachment. 9. Avoid singing, dancing or playing music with attachment.
