Lunar Calendar Observances

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The following are the principal days in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar and the practices associated with those days:

8th Day- Medicine Buddha Practice

1st Qtr moon – White Tara Practice

10th Day – Guru Rinpoche Day / Shower of Blessings Tsog

15th Day – Amitabha Practice

Full Moon – Practitioner renews their vows and precepts.  A time to reaffirm and make confession. So Jong for the Ordained

2nd Qtr Moon – Green Tara Practice

25th Day – Dakini Day, Tsog Feast

29th Day – Dharma Protector Day

30th Day – Shakyamuni Buddha Practice

New Moon – Practitioner renews their vows and precepts.  A time to reaffirm and make confession. So Jong for the Ordained.

“From the Vajrayana or tantric point of view, the changes of the Sun and Mon produce a shift or change in the elements.  While there is a shift on the more physical or gross level (the physical elements of the body), there is also a shift on a more subtle level – a shift in the wisdom mind (potential enlightened mind).  This is sometimes referred to as the wind energy.  This subtle system, which is not material or physical, is related to the mind.  According to the Vajrayana practice, as we will gradually and eventually learn as we progress on the path, when all the different wind energies are channeled into what is known as the central or life channel, there is the experience of enlightened mind.  That is how practitioners enter into the state of indestructible Samadhi and other meditative states.  Related to that, on the occasion of the Full Moon, the 15th Moon, the 15th day, the right peripheral wind energy (also known as the white element) moves closest to the central channel.  On the day of the New Moon, the wind energy of the left peripheral channel (also known as the red element) comes closest to the central channel.  In general then, the lunar calendar is based on the motion of the Sun, Moon, and planets, and there is a definite relation of these cycles to the functioning of our subtle internal system.”

Above quote is from a teaching given by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

Astrology

1/18/10   Monday

A change has occurred, you can feel it.  One mode has ended and a new mode has emerged.  A greater sense of inspiration is present, and wisdom is in the mix. You know something you did not know previously, and this new awareness makes you want to settle down and relax.  It’s a dreamy time.  But with new insight comes new responsibility.  Remember the words from Jonathan Livingston Seagull “It is good to be a seeker, but sooner or later you have to be a finder.  And then it is well to give what you have found, a gift into the world for whoever will accept it.” You have found something; now why not consider how you can offer it to the world?

 

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

How to Make Offerings

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Meaning and Purpose

The basis for offering is the practice of “Generosity.”  Generosity helps us to be less self-cherishing and thereby more loving to others.  In the Buddhist tradition one makes offerings to the Three Precious Jewels, which are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and the Lama who embodies all three.  Offerings are a way of honoring the mind of Enlightenment and the seed potential within all of us to awaken to our true nature.  Also one makes offerings with joy and sincere appreciation for the countless blessings one has been given by one’s teachers who by their supreme generosity have given one the Path and a way to end one’s suffering.  The practice of offering is another way to acknowledge the boundless love and infinite compassion shown to us by all those who have attained Enlightenment solely for the benefit of sentient beings.

On a deeper level, the practice of offering can be done mentally where one offers everything one sees and experiences such as the beauty of fresh flowers, the wonderful scents in our world like freshly baked bread, the comfort one feels from being warm when it is cold outside, the taste of delicious food, and the happiness we feel when we see a friend we haven’t seen in a while.  As we walk through the mall, we can offer everything we see and experience, clothes, furniture, etc.  When one is practicing generosity in this way, it is also viewed as a way of renouncing our attachment to these worldly things that are impermanent anyway and only give us temporary happiness. This method of practice if cultivated becomes a potent way of accumulating merit and virtue that can then be offered for the benefit of sentient beings.

What to Offer

Generally, one offers the very best that can be obtained or that one has the means to offer.  If the offering is given sincerely from the heart, then even water that is offered  becomes a treasure.  Flowers, light, incense, perfume or sweet scent, pure water, a conch shell (symbolizes music), and food are traditional offerings.  Crystals, jewelry, malas, and money are also suitable offerings.

How to Make the Offering

As a Buddhist, upon entering the shrine room one makes three prostrations towards the altar.  Then one arouses the thought of Bodhicitta, which is the sincere wish or motivation to be of benefit to sentient beings by working to achieve enlightenment.  The offering is made on the lowest level of the altar or could be placed at the base or foot of the altar.  In the case of offering a mala, the mala should be placed on the foot of the image of the Buddha but never around the neck.  If offering a BLESSED mala, please note that once offered, the mala can never again be used for personal use.  The practice of offering is considered to be a virtuous act, so remember to dedicate the merit and offer it as well for the benefit of all sentient beings.

What Not to Offer

Generally it is best not to offer anything sour or bitter like lemons or limes.  Also one would not offer an image of the Buddha such as a statue or a photograph of the Buddha.

When to Make an Offering

Offerings can be made at anytime, however in the Tibetan lunar calendar, there are auspicious days when merit is increased that are traditionally observed by making offerings.  For example, the 10th Day or Guru Rinpoche Day, the 25th Day or Dakini Day, 10 Million Days (there are four during the year) which mark different events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, and Losar the Tibetan New Year.

Astrology

1/17/2010    Sunday

Pay attention to what you were dreaming or thinking of as you woke up this morning. This is a powerful day for intuitive thinking that is “right on”.  You are emotionally perceptive and optimistic.  Imagination is very helpful in terms of pointing the way to the future.    You could come up with something amazing, inventive and productive.  Jot down all the things you imagine or daydream about.  Sift through your list and “voila!”  You could have just imagined a future that is successful.  A major energetic change occurs between today and tomorrow.  Pay attention!

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

1/16/2010 Saturday

Friends!  Spend time with them.  You are emotionally attuned to your friends and special groups.  Seek out those with common interests.  You are in a “the more the merrier” mood and this is an excellent day for group activities.  Watch a tendency to negatively review the past; something may cause you to remember an unhappy situation.  After leaving a tough time there’s a tendency to keep looking back, but do your best to keep your eyes looking ahead.  Don’t linger on the past.  A door is opening and that door takes you forward.

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

1/15/2010 Friday

The day begins happily, and you are at last free to plan for the future.    Emotional satisfaction and a feeling of peace and goodwill are present in today’s activities.  Something hidden can be beneficially revealed, and work proceeds smoothly.  During the day you may relax and let things flow.  Oddly enough, the awareness that you can move forward after a long period of tending to past details could incline you to stop, rest, and give yourself a break.  When setting a new direction, it is good to stop and do nothing, temporarily. Then you are rested and ready to spring into action. Tomorrow is another day with new, interesting challenges.

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

1/14/2010   Thursday

You are heading toward a new beginning.  You are ready to change direction and begin anew.  A sense of strength, power and purpose that has been missing for some time is back in the picture. The road ahead is beginning to look rosy.  New professional opportunities beckon.  An area of life that is normally difficult looks possible and appealing.  As the Yellow Emperor was advised centuries ago “Please bear in mind that the power of heaven is great and it can change ill luck for the better.”  The power of heaven is about to make a change for the better.

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

1/13//2010   Wednesday

Today begins with an emotional crater.  You feel pulled into something that must be resolved or worked on, possibly left over from yesterday.  You need to think more deeply and realistically about a situation facing you.  Perhaps you are avoiding a necessary conversation or decision.  Once you’ve “faced the music” the day brightens considerably and becomes quite a happy day.  Men and powerful people are in a good mood.  Groups are satisfying, imaginative and creative.  Older people or longstanding friends are especially helpful. You may feel nostalgic for people or things from the past, but in a good way.

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Using Twitter to Bring Love & Stop Hate

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I am so happy to see #stop the hate moving with the speed of #LOVE and #LIGHT!  RT and keep it going!

Twitterverse is the perfect place for kindness and loving support! So #stop the hate!

Friends made in Twitterverse are true treasures. So much #LOVE is shared so #stop the hate!

When hateful people cause heartache cut them off or read them the news. #stop the hate!

When people rant with hateful views, invite them to change or shut up. And #stop the hate!

When you see Tweets filled with hate and slander, tell them you stand up for #LOVE and #stop the hate!

When Twitterverse is used for negativity and slander and meanness we ALL lose! So #stop the hate!

#Stop the hate. And #BRING THE LOVE!  We have the power, let’s use it!

Some people are ill, and live and breathe to hate. Show them a better way and #stop the hate!

Some people are chronic haters, and rage is all they know. You need not join them! #stop the hate! #BRING THE LOVE!

It is difficult to reform a hater. They are broken inside. But you are not, so #stop the hate! #BRING THE LOVE!

Will you foul your own nest? Excrete where you eat? #stop the hate! #BRING THE LOVE!

Did you ever think the people would have the power? Together we can #stop the hate! And #BRING THE LOVE!

Feed a starving world! Heal the people! Now is the time, here is the place! #BRING THE LOVE! And #stop the hate!

Let’s refuse to accept hate! And honor only love! Keep it going! #stop the hate! #BRING THE LOVE!

Let’s have a revolution of compassion! #stop the hate! #BRING THE LOVE! RT!

Astrology

1/12/2010 Tuesday

An emotional surprise appears.  You may feel undercut by an expectation poorly verbalized by someone in your environment.  Pay attention to the atmosphere. If anyone is sulking or “bad vibing” you, speak up and clear it up.  As soon as the situation is resolved the day becomes favorable.  Don’t be afraid, growth arises from the ashes of misunderstanding.  Creativity, happiness and joy are present. Men are particularly loving these days.  Spend time with the important men in your life. Call your father, grandfather, mentor, or any male who has been a friendly and supportive presence in your life.  Remember those who have helped you.  It is even possible to clear the air with men with whom your history has not been happy, but this is up to you.

The daily astrology post affects everyone.  Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.  Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth.  There are many departments of life.  Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

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