Lhabab Düchen · Festival of Buddha’s Descent from Heaven

Today on auspicious Lhabab Düchen day, the monks at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery performed the full day Thukdrub Gongpa Kündü Pūjā (the essential practice that includes all achievements) to mark the festival of the descent of Śākyamuni Buddha from heaven to earth. According to legend, Lord Buddha ascended to Trāyastriṃśa (the heaven of the 33 gods) to repay the kindness of his mother, who had died one week after giving birth to him. He liberated her from samsara and spread the teachings (including the Abhidharma) to benefit the deities inhabiting this heavenly realm. After 3 months, Lord Buddha’s followers on earth became worried by his long absence and his disciple Maugalyayana finally persuaded him to return after considerable debate. Seven days later, Lord Buddha descended on earth. Let us all aspire that we are able to perceive all sentient beings as our mothers, and may we be able to repay all of our mothers’ kindnesses. May everyone rejoice in this noble and virtuous event and dedicate the merit for the benefit of all sentient beings!