Chökhor Düchen – The Buddha’s First Teaching
Chökhor Düchen is the ‘Festival of Turning the Wheel of Dharma’ — one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist holidays.
For seven weeks after his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, the Buddha did not give teachings. After these seven weeks, and after being requested to teach, the Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time, at Sarnath, near Varanasi, by teaching the ‘Four Noble Truths to his five companions from his time practicing asceticism.
An explanation of the occasion will occur at our normal Sunday meeting on Sunday, July 23. The official day of this great occasion will be celebrated with a deeper and more rigorous practice on Friday July 28 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the center.