Tayetha Om Muni Muni Maha Muni Shacha Muni Shava Ha

Saga Dawa Festival is the most important annual festival in Tibet. The 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, the full moon day of the sacred month of Saga Dawa. This is the most sacred day of the year in Tibetan Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (death) of the Buddha, and it is believed that all positive and negative actions are multiplied by 100 million as a result.

Traditionally, the holy day of Saga Dawa Düchen is observed through practice, generosity, and the performance of meritorious deeds. Sojin, the practice of Life Release, is commonly performed by purchasing animals that are destined to be killed (like worms, crickets, or fish), and releasing them into their natural habitats with prayers and positive aspirations. The act of giving life in this way is believed to extend the practitioner or benefactor’s lifespan and create positive circumstances. Additional instructions and resources for the practice of sojin can be found here. Another excellent way to make an offering of life on this special day is to observe a vegetarian or vegan diet, a common tradition during the month of Saga Dawa. You can also take an extended vow of vegetarianism, creating vast merit through your noble aspiration to reduce sufferings.

May you all follow the path of Buddha.