Losar

Tashi Delek and Happy Losar (Tibetan New Year) I’m here with my family in South India getting ready for our traditional Losar Celebration.

From the point of view of the Tibetan lunar calendar this is the beginning of the Tibetan New Year. Losar is much like the Western Christmas celebration where families gather together, wear new cloths, food is wonderfully prepared and shared. We will start our first day of the year by rising up early in the morning to honor Buddha, Dharma and Sangha with various offerings. At my mom’s house we will do the Palden Lhamo honoring prayers and offering for blessings and protection. I will keep all of you in my prayers. I arrived at my mom’s after a group piligramage to the sacred Buddhist sites in India and Nepal. After the devastating earthquake I was shocked by the damage and heartened seeing the Nepalese’s resilience as they work putting their lives back together after the tragedy of losing family and homes. As we enter the Tibetan New Year, the year of the earth dog, I want to take this opportunity to send my heartfelt feelings of appericateion to all of you who strive to develop your compassion for yourself and others. In these trying times, your effort will help shine much needed light helping lift the world. I will be returning to Phoenix in the middle of March and look forward to entering spring with teachings. I wish you and your family much love, health and happiness this New Year. May you and all be happy. Blessings ZaChoeje Rinpoche