
Annual Events

Annual Events
For almost 50 years, the Maui Dharma Center holds a week-long Wisdom Dharma Protector Mahakala Retreat before the Tibetan New Year (Losar). The rich ritual practice invokes the Wisdom energy of the wrathful aspect of Chenrezig in order to protect Buddha Shakyamuni’s Teachings, dispel past and future negativities, fulfill all good wishes, and guide all beings to perfect Enlightened Mind.
Tibetan New Year (Losar) is celebrated every year at the Maui Dharma Center with early morning prayer service, hanging new prayer flags, fire puja, and festive sharing of refreshments and the unique fried Tibetan cookies (kupsey)! The gatherings are open to the public.
Monlam Chenmo, known as the greatest prayer festival in Old Tibet, was established in 1409. The tradition continues to this day around the world wherever Tibetan Buddhism has settled. The Center has celebrated this festival since 1983. Monlam commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni's enlightened display of miracles, teachings, prayers and meditation for the profound intention of dispelling the suffering of illusion and increasing faith, wisdom and happiness for all beings.
On the full moon of the Tibetan fourth month, the Center observes Buddha Shakyamuni's Birth, Death and Pari-Nirvana. This sacred holiday is called Saga Dawa in Tibetan, and it is recognized by Buddhists around the world even though dates for this annual celebration may differ according to different Buddhist traditions. During the month of Saga Dawa, the Center offers the Eleven-Faced, One-Thousand-Armed Chenrezig Fasting Retreat, known as Nyungne.
In the Winter the spiritual holiday called Lha Bab Duchen, for which the Stupa is named, is observed with a community prayer gathering around the Stupa. This important day is celebrated to honor one of the Sacred Twelve Deeds of the Buddha. This compassionate deed recognizes Buddha's return from the god realms after teaching his mother the path to enlightenment – Lha (god) Bab (descend) Duchen (great event).