We are delighted that Ross Smith and Tsering Chodron, from Siddhartha’s Intent Australia, will guide us through a Buddha Day Celebration on Tuesday, 11th November, at 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

The following description and image are taken from the SIA website. Our evening will include a talk from Ross and Tsering about the significance of Lhabab Düchen and how it is celebrated in India and Nepal, followed by a simple practice including mantra recitation and offering prayers.

Everyone is welcome, and entry is by dana (donation). This event will not be streamed.

Lhabab Düchen – Buddha’s Descent from Indra’s heaven

One of the four great annual commemorations of major events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, Lhabab Düchen marks the day the Buddha descended to earth from Indra’s heaven.

At the age of 41, the Buddha ascended to Indra’s heaven in order to give teachings to benefit the gods in that desire realm, and to repay the kindness of his mother by liberating her from samsara.

Buddha spent three months teaching. He was exhorted by his disciple and representative Maudgalyayana to return, and after a long debate and under a full moon agreed to return. He returned to earth a week later by a special triple ladder of 80,000 vojanas each prepared by Viswakarma.

As the Buddha descended the central one, Indra and Brahma accompanied him on each side holding parasols to honour him. He descended to a place called Sankisa in this world, which is in modern Uttar Pradesh. This place is counted among the eight holy places.

On Lhabab Düchen, the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times. It is part of Tibetan Buddhist tradition to engage in virtuous activities and prayer on this day.