February 27 — the Day of the Manifestation of the Miraculous Powers of Buddha Shakyamuni

From the 1st to the 15th lunar days of the 1st lunar month, in order to give rise to faith among his followers and to help them cast off false views, Buddha Shakyamuni demonstrated miraculous powers over the course of 15 days. Owing to pride, arrogance, ignorance, and false views, the false teachers tried to oppose Buddha Shakyamuni and to prove that he did not possess miraculous power. The Day of the Manifestation of Miraculous Powers is a special Buddhist holiday; on this day all merits are multiplied 10 million times. On this holiday we should rejoice that the Buddha demonstrated his amazing abilities and qualities. We must remember the path indicated by the Buddha and try to walk that path ourselves. In general, if one walks the Buddha's path, one can accumulate incalculable merits. There are many unfavorable circumstances on earth: global warming, famine, wars, epidemics, earthquakes. From a religious point of view, this speaks of the depletion of people's good merits. In order to preserve happiness on earth, it is necessary to accumulate merits, to pray, and to perform virtues. For this there is a tradition of holding great prayer services called “Monlam Chenmo”. During this prayer service, which lasts several days, beneficial prayers and good wishes are recited that remove famine, epidemics, earthquakes, and other calamities. We also pray that the Buddha's teaching in our country, in our republic, may be revived and developed. The first month of the new lunar year has begun, which we call Tsagan Sar — the white month. The white color symbolizes purity, peace, and kindness. May this year be white and prosperous. With prayers and best wishes, Shajin Lama Telo Tulku Rinpoche