Happy Chokhor Duchen!
"He who speaks on the basis of seeing,
This makes him a knower and teacher unexcelled,
I bow to you, O Conqueror,
You who saw Dependent Origination and taught it."
~ Lama Tsongkhapa, In Praise of Dependent Origination
Chokhor Duchen is one of the four main Buddhist holidays, and this year it falls on July 27, 2017. Chokhor Duchen is the day Buddha gave his first teaching after attaining enlightenment. The event is seen as turning the wheel of dharma, specifically the first turning of the wheel of dharma. The Buddha taught many vast and profound teachings -- all intended for transforming our minds. In the case of this first turning the dharma wheel, Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, based upon the realities of life. He encouraged people to accept the realities, rather than running away from practicalities.
Although we cannot presently see and hear teachings directly from our compassionate and skilled teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni, his message and teachings remain tremendously relevant in these turbulent times. The occasion of Chokhor Duchen allows us to remember his kindness and appreciate his having shown the path of eternal truth. Of his numerous enlightened activities, his enlightened speech is supreme, because it is through these teachings that he can help fulfill the temporal and lasting happiness of sentient beings.
Chokhor Duchen is considered by some a karma multiplying day, so it is a good day to engage in virtuous activities. One of the best ways to celebrate the event is by listening, reading, contemplating, or meditating upon some of Buddha’s core teachings, as well as making offerings and reciting prayers. By dedicating our virtuous activities for full enlightenment, we can create infinite merit and make this holiday most meaningful.
by Ven. Tsondue
VGT/gd
"He who speaks on the basis of seeing,
This makes him a knower and teacher unexcelled,
I bow to you, O Conqueror,
You who saw Dependent Origination and taught it."
~ Lama Tsongkhapa, In Praise of Dependent Origination
Chokhor Duchen is one of the four main Buddhist holidays, and this year it falls on July 27, 2017. Chokhor Duchen is the day Buddha gave his first teaching after attaining enlightenment. The event is seen as turning the wheel of dharma, specifically the first turning of the wheel of dharma. The Buddha taught many vast and profound teachings -- all intended for transforming our minds. In the case of this first turning the dharma wheel, Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, based upon the realities of life. He encouraged people to accept the realities, rather than running away from practicalities.
Although we cannot presently see and hear teachings directly from our compassionate and skilled teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni, his message and teachings remain tremendously relevant in these turbulent times. The occasion of Chokhor Duchen allows us to remember his kindness and appreciate his having shown the path of eternal truth. Of his numerous enlightened activities, his enlightened speech is supreme, because it is through these teachings that he can help fulfill the temporal and lasting happiness of sentient beings.
Chokhor Duchen is considered by some a karma multiplying day, so it is a good day to engage in virtuous activities. One of the best ways to celebrate the event is by listening, reading, contemplating, or meditating upon some of Buddha’s core teachings, as well as making offerings and reciting prayers. By dedicating our virtuous activities for full enlightenment, we can create infinite merit and make this holiday most meaningful.
by Ven. Tsondue
VGT/gd
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