Forty-ninth Day Prayers for the Victims of the Tibetan 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake on April 14
| Date | June 1, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Time | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Location | Namgyal Monastery, Ithaca, NY |
| Instructors | Namgyal Faculty |
The 49th day is when the transition of the consciousness into new birth in one of the six realms takes place. In the Buddhist tradition, we believe that after we die, we do not disappear or turn into ashes. Buddha said in a sutra that when one’s life ends, one moves to the next life and is reborn again. It is like the sun which rises and gradually goes down, giving way to night. But the sun rises again the next day. Likewise, we take numerous and various types of bodies throughout countless lifetimes. The bodies are like guesthouses, and the minds are like the guests who stay in the houses. When we die, the body is left to become ashes, but the consciousness or mind travels to the next life.
As it is said in Buddha’s many Sutras and Tantras, one will remain in the Bardo or intermediate state for 7 weeks. The Bardo is a state after death and before rebirth. Family members and well wishers’ prayers and virtuous actions are factors to eliminate fearful apparitions which might otherwise disturb those in the bardo state. Until the last day of the seventh week, friends, good-hearted people, and families perform spiritual practices to dedicate to the deceased. The last day of the seventh week is named the 49th day. For the earthquake victims, the 49th day is June 1, 2010. This very last day is the most important day for the bardo being to take new rebirth. Purifying our unwholesome deeds, accumulating positive karma and generating altruistic motivation can make prayers effective. Hence, dedication of merits and positive energies for the deceased become vey crucial to take a fortunate rebirth.
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kyegudo (Ch:Yushu County) in Kham, eastern Tibet, on Wednesday, April 14th at about 7:40am. The Chinese government cites 2,203 dead with 216 missing and 12,135 injured, but Tibetans give numbers of over 10,000 dead and tens of thousands injured. Kyegudo (spoken: jyekundo), population 100,000, had 90% of its wood and mud structures and 70% of its schools destroyed by the initial quake and 1000 powerful aftershocks. There is no running water or electricity and little food. Most of the earthquake victims are ethnic Tibetans who have never had an easy relationship with the Chinese government. There are an estimated 100,000 homeless dealing with freezing weather. His Holiness the Dalai Lama Eager to Visit Earthquake Affected Area. The needs of those affected by the earthquake are urgent.
Location
Namgyal Monastery, Ithaca, NY
Cost
How you can help:
Donations will be accepted at this event for earthquake victims.
Donations can be also be made through our website page Supporting Namgyal and then click on Donate to Namgyal Ithaca. Please note in the comments that it is a donation for the earthquake victims. The donations will be sent to earthquake relief fund.