Dear members, benefactors and friends,

Losar, which is the Tibetan New Year, starts tomorrow on 2 March to 16 March (and we apologise for the late email). During the 15 days, the karmic effects are multiplied by 100 million times, be it good or bad. It is the best time for us to accumulate extensive merits, and also the time to purify extensive negative karma.

It is also wise to delay all worldly concerns, worldly activities until after Losar, and strive to accumulate as much merits in the next 15 days. Please join us to achieve this cause in Chokyi Gyaltsen Center. Please come and join us on pujas, recitation of Arya Sanghata Sutra and Golden Light Sutra. And come and offer extensive offerings, lights, water, flowers and food.

Please take note the theme for this year LOSAR is the CIttamani Tara Puja with 4 Mandala Offerings. Sincere and earnest request to Mother Tara could help us quickly overcome our various problems in life and help us practise dharma more effectively. It is the fastest way to accumulate extensive merits. Kyabje Choden Rinpoche said once that the merits of doing mandala offerings is BEYOND YOUR CONCEIVABLE THOUGHTS. That powerful! And the merits will blow your mind if we are doing the mandala offerings within the Tara Puja!

Here is a bit of information on why karmic effects are multiplied 100 million times.

Lama Tsongkhapa chose the Monlam Chenmo to coincide with the anniversary of incredible events in Shakyamuni Buddha's life traditionally celebrated during the first two weeks of the lunar new year. As cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche from the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, the karmic power of all actions done on the anniversary of these events is multiplied by one hundred million!

Shakyamuni Buddha had been challenged by six rival teachers for many years to prove his miraculous powers. The Buddha finally accepted the challenge and began on the lunar new year (LOSAR). The Buddha then displayed miracle after miracle for the next 15 days, finishing on the Day of Miracles. Due to the power of these miraculous displays the Buddha turned the minds of the six rival teachers and the huge crowds who were watching to the Dharma.

Best wishes from the SPC Team.
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