Saka Dawa

A friend living in Nepal recently sent information reminding us about the Holy Month of Saka Dawa which is also known as the ‘Month of Merits.’

Saka Dawa which began with the May 14 new moon, will continue for a whole lunar month (the Tibetan word 'dawa' means both 'moon' and 'month') until June 13. This is a period during which the consequences of virtuous actions performed is multiplied ten million times, both in terms of the merit earned, and (one hopes) the effect obtained.

Many poojas are performed in homes and monasteries, entire villages go on pilgrimage, especially to Kang Rimpoche (MT Kailash) and Lhasa. The full moon of this month is also special. It is celebrated as the anniversary of the day on which the Buddha was born, attained Enlightenment and (subsequently) Parinirvana. This year, the full moon of Saka Dawa coincides with the full moon celebrating the Buddha's birth on the Hindu calendar.

For special interest to us here at Arunachala, it is during this month that people place emphasis on dharma practices such as circumambulation, prostrations, reciting mantras, sadhana and saving animals lives. It is believed that merit from such practices at this juncture is multiplied many times.

In keeping with the this Buddhist Festival, am posting below some inspirational words of the Dalai Lama.

"Remember, the Universe is the echo of our actions and our thoughts.

The law of action and reaction is not exclusively for physics. It is also of human relations. If I act with goodness, I will receive goodness. If I act with evil, I will get evil.

What our grandparents told us is the pure truth. You will always have what you desire for others. Being happy is not a matter of destiny. It is a matter of options.

Take care of your Thoughts because they will become Words.
Take care of your Words because they will become Actions.
Take care of your Actions because they will become Habits.
Take care of your Habits because they will form your Character.
Take care of your Character because it will form your Destiny, and your Destiny will be your Life. "