with Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

Monday, July 28, 2025
3:00pm – 4:30pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
in-person and online

Program Category: Buddhist Prayers and Practices

Chokhor Duchen, one of the four major holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, takes place this year on July 28. According to the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, any virtuous action performed on this day is multiplied by 100 million times — making it a powerful occasion to gather and practice.

This day commemorates Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s first teaching, known as “Turning the Wheel of Dharma.” It is said that for seven weeks after his enlightenment, the Buddha did not teach. Then, at the request of Indra and Brahma — who offered a dharmachakra and conch shell — the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths for the first time at Sarnath, thereby setting in motion the Dharma we continue to receive today.

Join us as Geshe Legtsok leads the Shakyamuni Buddha daily practice, followed by the recitations of:

• Sutra of the Wheel of Dharma
• Prayer to Become Like the Buddha in His Past Lives
• Chanting the Names of Manjushri
• Swift return prayers for Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
• The King of Prayers dedication

In addition, you are invited to join Geshe Legtsok and Venerable Angie Muir, on the morning of July 28, online at Vajrapani Institute, to participate in the Eight Mahayana Precepts, Prostrations to the 35 Buddhas, and Shakyamuni Buddha Puja.