The Life-Extension Rituals “Nas Utdullhn” Continue

Today’s long-life prayer service began with a prayer service addressed to the Medicine Buddha, since today is the 15th lunar day according to the calendar. This is one of the special, sacred days for Buddhists (“matsg ödr”). As the monks note, on such days it is important to devote oneself to spiritual practice and to observe the fast, since the result of virtuous and non-virtuous deeds and misdeeds increases by 100 thousand times.

It is significant that such a special day coincided with the ritual of extending one’s years. As on all the previous days, “The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” was crowded today. Both young and old, together with the monks, offered their prayers to Amitayus, the Buddha of Longevity, asking for protection from obstacles, asking for well-being and all the necessary blessings for a happy life. At each ritual our venerable monks explain that one should sincerely ask not only for oneself and one’s relatives, but for all living beings — this is far more important and significant. 

Next week, on December 21 and 22, the concluding rituals of extending one’s years will be held before the national holiday “ZUL”.