Join Us for a Saka Dawa Stupathon!
On Saka Dawa Duchen, the full moon of the fourth lunar month, we celebrate the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. It is also a day when karmic results are multiplied by 300 million times as it commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha’s three major life events! On this special day, which falls on May 23 this year, we will join other Buddhists around the world in honoring the enlightened activities of the Buddha and engaging in auspicious and merit-making practices.
Starting on May 23, over two days-24hrs, we will hold our first Stupathon at our Mahabodhi Stupa—Stupa of Great Enlightenment— at site of our 100,000 Stupa Project. Ten years ago, we held the Wheelathon, our first fundraiser for starting the actual building of the stupa, where we turned our Great Prayer Wheel for 24hrs.
Rejoice!
We now have a stupa to circumambulate! We hope you will join us in celebrating this unique opportunity for practice on a special buddha day.
Details
What will we do?
Saka Dawa, the fourth month in the lunar calendar, is a special month for Tibetan Buddhists. The whole month is said to be merit-multiplying, according to Kyabje Choden Rinpoche. The full moon day, Saka Dawa Duchen, particularly, is merit-multiplying by 300 million times! So this is an incredibly precious opportunity to practice, create and dedicate merit.
On May 23–24, for 24 hours over two days, we welcome you to join us in many meritorious practices:
- Circumambulating the Stupa
- Animal liberation practices
- Chanting mantras
- Reciting the “Chanting the Names of Manjushri” text
- Raising donations for the 100,000 Stupa and LMB projects
- And more
The merit generated will be dedicated for the benefit of every sentient being, for the thriving of the Dharma, and the continued flourishing of the projects and visions of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Donors can also send dedications for beings and other purposes that they wish to be read at the end of the Stupathon.
Beverages and snacks will be available on both days!
Time and Dates
- May 23 – 10 am to 9 pm (PDT)
- May 24 – 8 am to 9 pm (PDT)
These timings are based on advice from Geshe Ngwang Drakpa. We will begin on May 23 at 10 am with a prayer and then start circumambulations!
Support our Projects
Land of Medicine Buddha – Caring for our Sacred Land
We are moving forward on an initiative to improve our environmental impact on this precious land. Years ago, we aligned with others and became a Green Certified Business. Now we continue to monitor how we can reduce harm and develop best practices for caring for our sacred 108 acres of land. We hope to raise $20,000 to improve our stewardship of the land so that it can be a healthy refuge for decades to come.
100,000 Stupa Project – Building a River of Nectar
In 2018 when Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited the 100,000 Stupa Project, he talked about how the grounds and the garden can bring benefit as well. When we mentioned placing a water feature on the hillside, Rinpoche was excited at the idea of a river with mantras painted on rocks that would “purify and bless all of the bees, bugs, and other beings who would drink from the blessed water.” We hope to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of continuing to realize Rinpoche’s vision by installing and beautifying this River of Nectar. Any amount over the requested amount will be spent to add plants and flowers surrounding the River, and also towards the stupa construction.
How to Join: Sponsor Circumambulations
Sponsor someone directly to make circumambulations at the Stupa, or make a general donation.
- 1 Circumambulation= $21
- 3 Circumambulations = $63
- 7 Circumambulations = $108
- 30 minutes Circumambulations = $504
- 1 hour Circumambulations = $1008*
Choose how your donation is directed. Donate to:
- Land of Medicine Buddha’s “Caring for Our Sacred Land” environmental initiative
- Help install a “River of Nectar” at the Stupa Project
- Donate to both projects!
We will dedicate merit and read the names of donors at the end of the day.
* Donors that contribute $1,008 or more may choose to receive the gift of a beautifully painted Kadampa stupa that was made by Sangha at Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s house in Aptos.
How to Join?
Santa Cruz and Bay Area
For those in the local area, we invite you to join us in person at the stupa! You can come at any point over these two days (May 23: 10 am to 9 pm and May 24: 8 am to 9 pm) and stay for any length of time. If you are coming for circumambulations we encourage you to share sponsorship opportunities with your networks and give others the opportunity to support and sponsor your activities – thereby creating merit of their own.
Live Stream on Facebook
If you are further away, we invite you to join us on Facebook Live and to sponsor circumambulations remotely! We will be live streaming throughout both days. Click these links to join us on each day:
- May 23 – 10 am to 9 pm (PDT) – Facebook Live Stream – Stupathon Day 1
- May 24 – 8 am to 9 pm (PDT) – Facebook Live Stream – Stupathon Day 2
Please also share this event with your networks so they can join in remotely.
Share with Others
Use these links to easily share the Facebook Live events with others:
Questions?
If you have questions about this event, how to join, how to sponsor, etc., please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Call/Text/Whatsapp: (831) 419-4894
