This auspicious year, 2151 by the Tibetan lunar calendar, is the year of the male wood dragon. It heralds the promise of growth, vitality and abundance. In Tibetan culture, the first three days of Losar are more for families. In the cold of winter, they put on new clothing, or at least their best, recite prayers and make offerings at their local monasteries. They also visit friends. 

In Healesville on Saturday 10 February, summer sunshine made for a warm, bright celebration at Naléndra Serkhang. We welcomed a bunch of Bhutanese and Malaysian friends who had requested a visit to the Serkhang in the spirit of Losar. They made offerings to the shrine and joined in the puja with warmth and goodwill, like old friends. They brought growth, vitality and abundance to the Serkhang from Bhutan, the Dragon Kingdom.

“I thought it was marvellous … a real highlight!” commented Director Prue Lamont who was MC for the day. She thanked everyone who contributed from set-up to clean-up “and all that was involved”. She also invited the visitors back for Saga Dawa, the most auspicious and sacred festival of the Tibetan Buddhist year.

Losar marks the start of the Month of Miracles. The first 15 days of the first month of the year recall 15 miracles that Buddha manifested openly, one each day for 15 days, to increase the devotion of his disciples and help increase the merit of countless sentient beings. It is said that merit accumulated during these days up to the full moon is multiplied immensely. Our new friends have generated an abundance of merit indeed!