Saga Dawa (Tibetan Vesak)
The holiest month in the Tibetan calendar, when the merit of good deeds is believed to be multiplied.
Saga Dawa is the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually running from May into June or early July. Its holiest day, Saga Dawa Duchen, falls on the full moon (the 15th day) of that month, usually in late May or June.
When Is Saga Dawa (Tibetan Vesak)?
Saga Dawa is the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually running from May into June or early July. Its holiest day, Saga Dawa Duchen, falls on the full moon (the 15th day) of that month, usually in late May or June.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Saga Dawa is the fourth Tibetan lunar month, traditionally regarded as the most sacred of the year. The karmic effect of any virtuous or negative action performed during this month is said to be multiplied, often said to be one hundred thousand times, with some teachers giving even higher figures for the full moon day. Like Vesak, it commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana.
How It Is Observed
Pilgrims circumambulate sacred mountains (especially Mount Kailash), strict vegetarianism, animal release, butter lamp offerings, massive alms-giving, all-month prayers.
Sacred Text
“Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. In the same way, feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness are emptiness.”
, Heart Sutra ↗