Lha Bab Düchen, one of the four great holy days in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, falls on the 22nd day of the ninth Tibetan month. It commemorates the Buddha’s miraculous descent from the heavenly realm of the gods. According to tradition, after his mother, Queen Mayadevi, was reborn in Indra’s heaven, the Buddha ascended to the god realm to repay her kindness and offer teachings for the benefit of both gods and celestial beings. After three months of profound instruction, the Buddha returned to the human world at the city of Sankisa—modern-day Uttar Pradesh—descending a magnificent triple staircase manifested by Indra and Brahma. As the Buddha walked down the central stairway, the two gods flanked him with parasols in reverence.

To commemorate this auspicious occasion, the Rime Center will host a special day of Shakyamuni Buddha Pujas and open meditation sessions. You’re welcome to come throughout the day to meditate and practice at your own pace.

The day will begin with the ceremony for taking the 24-hour Mahayana vows. Those participating in the vow ceremony are encouraged to wear all white as a symbol of their commitment to purity and ethical conduct for the day. As the Buddha said, “Sariputta, when you know of a householder clothed in white, that she/he is restrained in terms of the five training rules and that she/he obtains at will, without difficulty, without hardship, four pleasant mental abidings in the here & now, then if she/he wants she/he may state about themself: ‘Hell is ended; animal wombs are ended; the state of the hungry shades is ended; states of deprivation, destitution, the bad bourns are ended! I am a stream-winner, steadfast, never again destined for states of woe, headed for self-awakening!’ – Gihi Sutta.

We invite you to join us in marking this sacred day with devotion, reflection, and compassion.

Schedule for Activities

7:30 am – 24-Hour Mahayana Vows Given
8 am – Shakyamuni Buddha Puja with Meditation
9 am – Noon – Half Day Zen Meditation Retreat
2:00 pm – Shakyamuni Buddha Puja with Meditation
3 pm – 6 pm – Open Meditation
6 pm – Shakyamuni Buddha Puja with Meditation