Saka Dawa

Tibetan Buddhists are observing Saka Dawa, the "month of merits." In particular, today is the 15th day of the month of Saka Dawa, which in Tibetan Buddhism marks the day of the Buddha's enlightenment, death, and entry into Nirvana. The merits of virtuous acts, such as donating food and money to monasteries or the poor, prostrations, and not eating meat are multiplied 100,000 times today.

Tenzin Sangmo describes Saka Gawa observations in India for Phayul. There is little word on what Buddhists still in Tibet are able to do, however. Last year Tibetan activists said the Chinese government restricted religious activities of Tibetans during the holy month, even though the government also promotes Saka Gawa festivities as tourist attractions.

Tenzin Sangmo writes,

The day's event came to an end with a special prayer session in the evening. An otherwise joyous occasion was overshadowed with grief at the fate of Tibet under China's totalitarian governance. With continued tyranny in the region, Tibet has now become a fortress that no outside element can penetrate. The destiny of six million lies in their unwavering belief in His Holiness the Dalai Lama.