Sunday Open Meditation: Celebrating Lhabab Düchen

The celebration of Lhabab Düchen commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni’s descent from the heavenly realm of Tushita back to the human realm. Lha means god, bab means descent, and Düchen means Great Occasion. The Buddha went to Tushita heaven to teach his mother, Mayadevi, who passed away seven days after his birth and was reborn among the pure realms. To repay her kindness, to liberate her and benefit the gods, Buddha spent three months teaching Abhidharma in Tushita Heaven. Then as the gods bowed to him, he descended to earth to continue teaching the dharma in the human realm. A hallmark of this holiday is appreciation. We especially look with respect to the teachers who have shared the dharma with us, embodying and keeping the lineage of awakening alive in the world. We can rejoice in that activity, and reflect on the abundant good fortune of participating together to help wisdom and compassion flourish at a time that they are desperately needed. Wherever we are and whoever we are with, we can open our hearts with gratitude and engage in generosity and kindness. Virtuous activities are especially beneficial on this day, when karma is said to be multiplied innumerable times. Lhabab Düchen is certainly a great day for dharma practice! For the benefit of gathering merit, virtue, and auspiciousness, offerings are encouraged. Fresh fruit, flowers, and goodies for the shrine, as well as potluck contributions, are most welcome.