Birthday Wishes, and Sponsoring Mahakala Pujas

- Reflections on the significance of Birthdays, our Parents' Kindness, and Sponsoring Pujas in Rinpoche's Monasteries in Pokhara

What do you normally do on your birthday?

Most of us would go out for a celebratory dinner with friends and family, and perhaps proceed to paint the town red afterwards. Many Buddhists try to do good deeds on their special day. They believe it is auspicious to do so on their birthday in order to accumulate merits and receive blessings. Traditionally, many visit temples to pray, make sangha offerings and perform animal liberation.

Without a doubt your birthday is significant - it marks the anniversary of your entry into the world. So it is a day fit for celebrating and remembering. However, do take a moment from your usual celebrations to reflect on the deeper meaning of your birthday. You may wish to extend your thoughts to your parents. For you would not be here to celebrate your birthday without their boundless love and kindness.

Your mother nourished and protected you in her womb for 9 months. She went through considerable pain and suffering giving birth to you. Yet all her suffering was quickly forgotten when she heard your first cry. You should have seen the joy and pride on her face.

Your parents selflessly cared for you, saving the best food and the most comfortable bed for you. They will not tell of their sacrifices to give you the very best. Even when you are an adult and can fend for yourself, your parents still shower you with profound kindness.

When you travel far away for further education or work, their thoughts are always with you. They worry whether you can cope and may even weep silently in their hearts. Yet they will not tell you that upon you return.

For those with your own young families, your parents' kindness may be even more profound. Your aged parents selflessly help care for your own children when they could be enjoying their "retirement". They urge you to visit often, pretending desire to spend time with their grandchildren, when deep in their hearts, they really want to pamper you.

When you mindfully contemplate the boundless depth of your parents' kindness, you will discover their selfless concern for your welfare never ceases. You will also realise that you can never repay their kindness adequately. Your birthday therefore becomes a very appropriate moment to remember that and express your gratitude.

The Accumulation of Merit

There are many opportunities to accumulate merits. The merits and blessings generated from making offerings to the Triple Gem (the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha) on your special day, will be immeasurable. Whether your contribution is large or small, the offering of prayers, recitation of sacred text and food offerings to the participating sangha is in essense made to the Triple Gem. Boundless merits will be generated if made with a sincere heart. You will also receive blessings for your material and dharma practice. You may of course also dedicate the merits from making the offerings to your parents to repay their boundless and unconditional kindness.

Sponsoring Monthly Whole Day Pujas in Pokhara

At the end of each Tibetan calendar month (the 29th), the Sanghas at Jangchub Choeling Monastery and Vikrama Shila Buddhist Institute in Pokhara under the care of Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche hold an elaborate whole day Mahakala puja. More than 100 Sanghas will chant for the purification of all our negative karma accumulated since beginningless time, for peace and harmony in the world, for longevity, elimination of all sickness, diseases, natural disasters and obstacles, and for blessings of success in our worldly and spiritual pursuit.

Taking part in such an auspicious puja can generate immense blessings and merits. Devotes may contribute towards this meritorious event by sponsoring the puja. We hope that those sponsoring will contribute towards helping to cover the lamas daily expense costs. It's worth noting that as the cost of living in nepal is continuing to rise, the need for funds to support the Lamas grows more urgent.

Should you wish to you can also send in a donation with a name, in order to clear obstacles for yourself, or for another named person.

Suggested Sponsoring Offerings

Type of Sponsorship	Donation
Per Name	S$30.00
Butter Lamp Offering	S$0.50 per lamp

Those who wish to sponsor this meritorious event can call Vicky during the following hours - 10.30am till 10.00pm (7 days).

Telephone
(Singapore) 67443376

E-mail
gtara@singnet.com.sg

Email : Shangpa Rinpoche

Home | About Rinpoche | Rinpoche's Projects | Teachings | Devotees | Media | Events | Latest News

v3 site design © june 2004, oct 2003, dec 2000 karmadungyu