Known in English as “Turning the Wheel of Dharma,” Chokhor Duchen commemorates the anniversary of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s first teaching. It is said that for seven weeks after his enlightenment, the Buddha did not teach. Afterward, Indra and Brahma offered a Dharmachakra and a conch shell and requested Guru Shakyamuni Buddha to teach. Accepting, Guru Shakyamuni Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma for the first time at Sarnath by teaching the Four Noble Truths.

Buddha House has a full programme to make the most of this special day, where the power of any meritorious action is multiplied by 100 million. See below for details.

6am Eight Mahayana Precepts
Followed by Rinpoche’s Morning Motivation, Prostrations to 35 Buddhas

3pm – 5pm Setting up of Extensive Offerings

5.15pm Diamond Cutter Sutra Recitations

6.30pm Extensive Offering ceremony

7.15pm Shakyamuni Buddha Puja