FIRE-ROOSTER

YEAR 2144
Tibetan Calendar 2017

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DEAR READER,
This calendar is meant specifically for practitioners of Tibetan
Buddhism. It shows the cycle of twelve months according to the
Tibetan lunar calendar together with the corresponding months
and days of the Western calendar.
The Tibetan astrology is a combination of Buddhist astrology
ancient Chinese astrology. Due to the synchronisation of solar
day, lunar month, and zodiac year in Tibetan astrology you will
see that a day can be lost or doubled.
The regular holy days as well as special days of Tibetan and
Buddhist festivals are indicated. Although every day of the year
is a special day for the practice of Dharma, the selection made
here is on the bases of giving priority to the most important ones.
The 8th Moon, Full Moon, New Moon and eclipse days are
special days for any wholesome action. For the lay practitioners
these days are especially recommended for taking the Eight
Vows. The 10th and 25th of the Tibetan calendar are days
for Ganachakra or Tsok-Rituals of Tantra. They are especially
recommended for performing Guru-Pujas. Sojong or Upposotha
days twice a month are for confession of monastic communities.
We wish you good physical and spiritual health for this year, and
may you spend each day of this year in a wholesome way.
May the Teachings of the Buddha, the true source of peace and
happiness for all, spread throughout the world.
May the Holders of the Teachings live long and may their
activities flourish.
May all hunger, thirst, disease, and conflict - may all suffering
perish and all beings experience harmony and peace of mind.
May Compassion and Wisdom grow everywhere!
 THE MEANING OF BUDDHISM
by Geshe Rabten
Buddhism is neither a strange tradition
peculiar to certain foreign lands, nor a
collection of dry words contained in books
and libraries. Such opinions fail to discern
what in fact Buddhism is.
All creatures in this world, whether human
or animal, are constantly motivated by the
same basic aims: the achievement of happiness and the removal
of suffering. But although our entire existence is lived in pursuit
of these goals we never fully achieve them. The real, lasting
happiness we desire eludes us and in the depths of our minds
we continue to suffer. In our search for satisfaction we construct
roads, schools, hospitals and so forth. Although these afford us
some relief they are unable to remove the very roots of physical
and mental pain. On the contrary, we observe how mental unrest
tends to increase with technological progress. But why, despite
our enormous efforts, should this be the case?
We generally consider the source of all our problems to be
external to ourselves. We then try to overcome and manipulate
these conditions. Of course, external conditions affect our lives
and cause us to suffer, but it has to be recognised that the root
cause for our painful experiences is deeply embedded within
our own minds. The external situations are only contributing
circumstances. In this light it becomes clear that no matter how
much we change the external world we will never arrive at a truly
satisfactory solution.
But what is it within us that causes us to continually suffer? It is
self-concern, the attitude of cherishing oneself while disregarding
others. In dependence upon self-concern attachment to ones own
interest and resentment to the interests of others arise. Upon this
basis all conflicts ensue. If, however, self-concern were absent,
no conflicts could ever occur. As long as the mind is dominated
by self-concern we shall never be satisfied. Even if our situation
is pleasant there will always be a restless longing for something
else, which prevents any lasting peace and happiness from finding
its way into our lives.
However, if this self-concern is decreased, hatred and attachment
will likewise diminish in strength. And to the degree in which these
factors are reduced we will notice an increase in our concern for
others, as well as an increase in our own contentment and peace
of mind.
Where can the means be found to transform the mind in this way?
They can be found in the Buddhas teachings. Thus the methods
shown by the Buddha are extremely valuable for anyone truly
seeking happiness, whether Buddhist or not. Buddhism should
therefore be understood as a method for overcoming mental
suffering and for increasing the sense of well-being for both self
and others.
We all know how much we appreciate being treated kindly by
others. In the same way it should be realised that others too
experience much joy upon being treated kindly by us. When
concern for others grows strong, self-concern, hatred and
attachment will diminish, ones mind will experience calmness
and joy, and others will receive true benefit. All conflicts between
individuals, groups of people, and even nations will be resolved as
soon as concern for others takes the place of concern for oneself.
Concern for others is therefore the source of all individual and
collective well-being, both secular and religious. To achieve this is
the essence of Buddhism.
With these words the activities of the Rabten Choeling monastery
were announced in 1977 by the Venerable Geshe Rabten
Rinpoche. And with this objective the activities of all the Rabten
monasteries and study centres, as well as the Edition Rabten
publishing service have been carried on since then.
If you see a true benefit in such efforts for todays society and
would like to support these aims, please be assured that your help
is greatly appreciated.
DHARMA FESTIVALS ASTROLOGICAL YEAR-SIGNS AND DAYS

Chotrul Duechen: Day of Buddha Shakyamunis Great Miracles
In Tibetan astrology the days of the week are classified into
harmonious and disharmonious days according to an individuals
Saga Dawa: This means Month of Saga, which is the fourth year of birth. So-called Luck-days and Life-days are harmonious.
month of the lunar calendar. On the full moon day of this month,
These days are generally considered as particularly suitable for
Buddha Shakyamuni showed his deed of taking birth,
attaining enlightenment, and going into Parinirvana. starting projects and celebrating auspicious events. Anti-days, or
disharmonious days, are generally considered as unsuitable for
Choekor Duechen: Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Wheel such events. It is something to be considered in case of choice.
of Dharma for the first time.
Lha Bab Duechen: Buddha Shakyamunis return from the Year of birth: 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965
realm of the devas. 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
Gaden Ngamchoe: Day of Je Tsongkhapas Parinirvana.
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Parinirvana days: The days of passing away. Year-sign: Mouse
Bull
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake


Trungkar days: Birthdays of masters. Luck-day Wed Sat Thu Thu Sun Tue

Those days are very special days for the practice of Dharma. Life-day Tue Wed Sat Sat Wed Fri
Any positive or negative actions performed on these days
have a strong multiplying effect.
Anti-day Sat Thu Fri Fri Thu Wed

TIBETAN FESTIVALS
Losar: Tibetan New Year. First day of the lunar calendar. It is Year of birth: 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971
celebrated in every auspicious and joyous way. 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983
Zam Ling Chi Sang: Day of the Sang-Offering (ritual 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
smoke-offering) to all the Protectors.
Sangpo Chuzom: The Day of the Ten Good Omens. Year-sign: Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Boar


This is a day for transforming all inauspicious situations into
auspicious ones. Special day for merrymaking. Luck-day Tue Fri Fri Fri Mon Wed

SPECIAL DAYS Life-day Fri Mon Thu Thu Wed Tue

Rishi-Star: This special astrological constellation causes the natural
water-sources on earth to be transformed into nectar-like liquids. Anti-day Wed Thu Tue Tue Thu Sat

It is therefore particularly beneficial to take baths on these days.
SYMBOLS ELEMENT COMBINATIONS

Earth-Earth: Auspicious. The double encounter of earth brings
Full Moon
power together. Power lets all wishes be achieved.

Half Moon

Water-Water: Auspicious. The double encounter of water brings
New or Black Moon nectar together. Nectar increases lifes force.

Total eclipse of the sun

Earth-Water: Auspicious. The encounter of earth with water brings
Partial eclipse of the sun youth together. Youth brings great happiness.

Total eclipse of the moon
Fire-Fire: Auspicious. The double encounter of fire brings increase
Partial eclipse of the moon together. This will increase food and wealth.

Monastic Sojong or Confession
Wind-Wind: Auspicious. The double encounter of wind brings
Guru-Puja and Tsok-Rituals perfection together. Perfection brings quick accomplishment of
ones wishes.
Dharma festivals
Tibetan festivals

Fire-Wind: Auspicious. The encounter of fire and wind brings

strength together. Strength brings all good omens.

THE ENERGY OF ELEMENTS
Earth-Wind: Inauspicious. The encounter of earth and wind
brings incompatibility. Incompatibility exhausts food and wealth.
Earth

Water
Water-Wind: Inauspicious. The encounter of water and wind
Fire
brings disharmony together. Disharmony separates friends.

Wind

Earth-Fire: Inauspicious. The encounter of earth and fire brings
burning together. Burning creates suffering.
In Tibetan astrology the energies of the four elements, earth, water, fire and
wind, are described to influence our days. It is either the double strength
of one element or the union of two elements that predominates. According Fire-Water: Inauspicious. The encounter of fire and water brings
to the compatible or incompatible nature of the elements the days will be death. Death robs life away.
auspicious or inauspicious for particular activities. It is something to be
considered in case of choice.
 3
1 Sun New Year
4
2 Mon
5
3 Tue
January 2017

6
4 Wed Ten Good Omens
7
5 Thu
9
6 Fri Epiphany
10
7 Sat
11
8 Sun
12
9 Mon
13
10 Tue
14
11 Wed
15
12 Thu
16
13 Fri
17
14 Sat
18
15 Sun
19
16 Mon
20
17 Tue
21
18 Wed
22
19 Thu
23
20 Fri
24
21 Sat

25
22 Sun
26
23 Mon
27
24 Tue
28
25 Wed
29
26 Thu
30
27 Fri
1
28 Sat
2
29 Sun
3
30 Mon
4
31 Tue
 5
1 Wed
6
2 Thu
7
3 Fri
February 2017

8
4 Sat
9
5 Sun
10
6 Mon
11
7 Tue
12
8 Wed
14
9 Thu
15
10 Fri
16
11 Sat
17
12 Sun
18
13 Mon
19
14 Tue
20
15 Wed
21
16 Thu
22
17 Fri
22
18 Sat
23
19 Sun
24
20 Mon

25
21 Tue
26
22 Wed
27
23 Thu
28
24 Fri
29
25 Sat Thanksgiving to Dharma-Protectors
30
26 Sun
1
27 Mon Tibetan New Year
2
28 Tue
 3
1 Wed
4
2 Thu
5
3 Fri
March 2017

6
4 Sat
7
5 Sun
9
6 Mon
10
7 Tue
11
8 Wed
12
9 Thu
13
10 Fri
14
11 Sat
15
12 Sun Buddhas Great Miracles
16
13 Mon
17
14 Tue
18
15 Wed Kyabje Rabten Parinirvana
19
16 Thu
20
17 Fri
21
18 Sat
22
19 Sun
23
20 Mon
24
21 Tue
25
22 Wed

25
23 Thu
26
24 Fri
27
25 Sat
28
26 Sun
29
27 Mon
30
28 Tue
2
29 Wed
3
30 Thu
4
31 Fri
 5
1 Sat
6
2 Sun
7
3 Mon
April 2017

8
4 Tue
9
5 Wed
10
6 Thu
11
7 Fri
12
8 Sat
13
9 Sun
14
10 Mon
15
11 Tue
16
12 Wed
17
13 Thu
18
14 Fri Good Friday
19
15 Sat
20
16 Sun Easter
21
17 Mon
22
18 Tue
23
19 Wed
24
20 Thu
25
21 Fri

26
22 Sat
27
23 Sun
28
24 Mon
29
25 Tue
30
26 Wed
1
27 Thu
2
28 Fri
3
29 Sat
4
30 Sun
 5
1 Mon
7
2 Tue
8
3 Wed
May 2017

9
4 Thu
10
5 Fri
11
6 Sat
12
7 Sun
13
8 Mon
14
9 Tue
15
10 Wed
16
11 Thu
17
12 Fri
18
13 Sat
19
14 Sun
19
15 Mon
20
16 Tue
21
17 Wed
22
18 Thu
23
19 Fri
24
20 Sat

25
21 Sun
26
22 Mon
27
23 Tue
28
24 Wed
30
25 Thu
1
26 Fri
2
27 Sat
3
28 Sun
4
29 Mon
5
30 Tue
6
31 Wed
 7
1 Thu
8
2 Fri
9
3 Sat
June 2017

10
4 Sun Whitsun
11
5 Mon
12
6 Tue
13
7 Wed
14
8 Thu
15
9 Fri Buddhas Birth, Enlightenment, Parinirvana
16
10 Sat
17
11 Sun
18
12 Mon
19
13 Tue
20
14 Wed
21
15 Thu
22
16 Fri
23
17 Sat
24
18 Sun

25
19 Mon
26
20 Tue
27
21 Wed
28
22 Thu
29
23 Fri
30
24 Sat
1
25 Sun
3
26 Mon
4
27 Tue
5
28 Wed
6
29 Thu
7
30 Fri
 8
1 Sat
9
2 Sun
10
3 Mon
July 2017

11
4 Tue
12
5 Wed
13
6 Thu
14
7 Fri
14
8 Sat
15
9 Sun Offering to all Protectors
16
10 Mon
17
11 Tue
18
12 Wed
19
13 Thu
20
14 Fri
21
15 Sat
22
16 Sun
23
17 Mon
24
18 Tue

26
19 Wed
27
20 Thu
28
21 Fri
29
22 Sat
30
23 Sun
1
24 Mon
2
25 Tue
3
26 Wed
4
27 Thu Buddhas first turning of the Dharma-Wheel
5
28 Fri
6
29 Sat
7
30 Sun
8
31 Mon
 9
1 Tue
10
2 Wed
11
3 Thu
August 2017

12
4 Fri
13
5 Sat
14
6 Sun
15
7 Mon
16
8 Tue
17
9 Wed
18
10 Thu
19
11 Fri
20
12 Sat
21
13 Sun
22
14 Mon
23
15 Tue

24
16 Wed
25
17 Thu
26
18 Fri
28
19 Sat
29
20 Sun
30
21 Mon
1
22 Tue
2
23 Wed
3
24 Thu
4
25 Fri
5
26 Sat
6
27 Sun
7
28 Mon
8
29 Tue
9
30 Wed
10
31 Thu
 11
1 Fri
11
2 Sat
12
3 Sun
September 2017

13
4 Mon
14
5 Tue
15
6 Wed
16
7 Thu
17
8 Fri
18
9 Sat Rishi-Star
19
10 Sun *
21
11 Mon *
22
12 Tue *
23
13 Wed *

24
14 Thu *
25
15 Fri *
26
16 Sat
27
17 Sun
28
18 Mon
29
19 Tue
30
20 Wed
1
21 Thu
2
22 Fri
3
23 Sat
4
24 Sun
5
25 Mon
6
26 Tue
7
27 Wed
8
28 Thu
9
29 Fri
10
30 Sat
 11
1 Sun
12
2 Mon
13
3 Tue
October 2017

14
4 Wed
15
5 Thu
16
6 Fri
17
7 Sat
18
8 Sun
19
9 Mon
20
10 Tue
21
11 Wed
22
12 Thu
23
13 Fri

25
14 Sat
26
15 Sun Trijang Choktul Birthday
27
16 Mon
28
17 Tue
29
18 Wed
30
19 Thu
1
20 Fri
2
21 Sat
3
22 Sun
4
23 Mon
5
24 Tue
6
25 Wed
6
26 Thu
7
27 Fri
8
28 Sat
9
29 Sun
10
30 Mon
11
31 Tue
 12
1 Wed Kyabje Trijang Parinirvana
13
2 Thu
14
3 Fri
November 2017

15
4 Sat Rabten Choktul Birthday
16
5 Sun
18
6 Mon
19
7 Tue
20
8 Wed
21
9 Thu
22
10 Fri Buddhas return from deva-land
23
11 Sat
24
12 Sun

25
13 Mon
26
14 Tue
27
15 Wed
28
16 Thu
29
17 Fri
30
18 Sat Ling Choktul Birthday
1
19 Sun
2
20 Mon
3
21 Tue
4
22 Wed
5
23 Thu
6
24 Fri
7
25 Sat
8
26 Sun
9
27 Mon
10
28 Tue
11
29 Wed
12
30 Thu
 13
1 Fri
14
2 Sat
15
3 Sun
December 2017

16
4 Mon
17
5 Tue
18
6 Wed
19
7 Thu
20
8 Fri
22
9 Sat Kyabje Ling Parinirvana
23
10 Sun
24
11 Mon

25
12 Tue Je Tsongkhapa Parinirvana
26
13 Wed
27
14 Thu
28
15 Fri
29
16 Sat
30
17 Sun
30
18 Mon
1
19 Tue
2
20 Wed
3
21 Thu
4
22 Fri
5
23 Sat
6
24 Sun Ten Good Omens
7
25 Mon Christmas Day
8
26 Tue
9
27 Wed
10
28 Thu
11
29 Fri
12
30 Sat
13
31 Sun
 14
1 Mon New Year
16
2 Tue
17
3 Wed
January 2018

18
4 Thu
19
5 Fri
20
6 Sat Epiphany
21
7 Sun
22
8 Mon
23
9 Tue
24
10 Wed

25
11 Thu
26
12 Fri
27
13 Sat
28
14 Sun
29
15 Mon
30
16 Tue
1
17 Wed
2
18 Thu
3
19 Fri
3
20 Sat
4
21 Sun
5
22 Mon
6
23 Tue
7
24 Wed
8
25 Thu
10
26 Fri
11
27 Sat
12
28 Sun
13
29 Mon
14
30 Tue
15
31 Wed
 16
1 Thu
17
2 Fri
18
3 Sat
February 2018

19
4 Sun
20
5 Mon
21
6 Tue
22
7 Wed
23
8 Thu
24
9 Fri

25
10 Sat
26
11 Sun
27
12 Mon
28
13 Tue
29
14 Wed Thanksgiving to Dharma-Protectors
30
15 Thu
1
16 Fri Tibetan New Year
2
17 Sat
3
18 Sun
4
19 Mon
5
20 Tue
6
21 Wed
7
22 Thu
8
23 Fri
9
24 Sat
10
25 Sun
11
26 Mon
12
27 Tue
13
28 Wed
 14
1 Thu
16
2 Fri Buddhas Great Miracles
17
3 Sat
March 2018

18
4 Sun Kyabje Rabten Parinirvana
19
5 Mon
20
6 Tue
21
7 Wed
22
8 Thu
23
9 Fri
24
10 Sat
25
11 Sun
25
12 Mon
26
13 Tue
27
14 Wed
28
15 Thu
29
16 Fri
30
17 Sat
1
18 Sun
2
19 Mon
3
20 Tue
4
21 Wed
5
22 Thu
6
23 Fri
7
24 Sat
8
25 Sun
10
26 Mon
11
27 Tue
12
28 Wed
13
29 Thu
14
30 Fri Good Friday
15
31 Sat
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