The day Buddha descended, Friday 29 Oct 2010 marks Buddha Shakyamuni's descent from Tushita Heaven. This is the last of the 4 special holy days in a year. It is called Lha Bab Duchen in Tibetan. It is also a merit-multiplying day.
It is the anniversary of the Buddha's descent from the heavenly realm to earth. Buddha Shakyamuni ascended to The Heaven of Thirty-Three in order to give teachings to benefit the gods in the desire realm and to repay the kindness of his mother by liberating her from samsara. This is one of the great deeds of the Buddha among eight great deeds. On Lha-Bab Duchen, the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 million times and the practice of virtuous activities and prayers on this day is strongly encouraged.
Skillful ways we can accumulate merit include:
Outer (Actions):
- Do not eat meat
- Feed and save the lives of animals
- Do not tell lies
- Do not steal
- Do not indulge in any intoxicants
Inner (Thoughts):
- Put aside angry thoughts; practice patience
- Put aside jealous thoughts; practice joy
- Put aside thoughts of hatred; practice love
As the Buddha taught: “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”
