Chötrul Düchen is one of four major Tibetan Buddhist holy days, celebrated on the first full moon after lunar new year.   It is known as the Butter Lamp Festival, Festival of Lights, or Great Day of Miraculous Manifestations.  It commemorates the day that Buddha Shakyamuni settled the question of his enlightenment with naysayers by performing many miracles.  This full moon day is considered a “merit multiplier” day, with the effects of both positive and negative actions multiplied ten million times.   This year, the moon will be full over the evening of Thursday, March 13th into the early hours of Friday, March 14th.   Additionally, this year, there will be a total lunar eclipse visible on the west coast at roughly 11pm Pacific Time, and 2am Eastern.  On this auspicious day, we rejoice that Khenpo Karten Rinpoche is giving Amitabha teachings to our Taiwan Dharma family–Khenpo La’s international sangha can join in via Zoom on this special occasion–see the Zoom link and details here:  2025 Amitabha Retreat in Taiwan

Learn More: The Story of the 15 Days of Miracles, Rigpa Wiki-Brief Explanation of Chotrul Duchen

Learn More:  Total Lunar Eclipse March 13-14, 2025