September 22 is the day that marks the end of the summer retreat season of Buddha Shakyamuni's time, a special day which is commemorated as Buddha's Return from Heaven Day. In Kadampa centers around the world, we celebrate this day with a tsog offering puja. The puja - Offering to the Spiritual Guide - is a chance for Buddhist practitioners to appreciate the kindness that living Guru Buddha has brought into this world.

The scriptural history of this day is quite beautiful. Buddha Shakyamuni spent time visiting a celestial realm where his mother was reborn. His wish was to teach Dharma and provide the causes for happiness to the beings who lived there. Such was Buddha's generosity that after a time he returned from the heavens to the less fortunate realms. He cared for everyone, from the highest to the lowest beings. On this auspicious day, we can pray to show the same kindness in this world, too.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

This practice includes a special food ‘tsog’ offering so you can bring a vegetarian food offering with you if you wish.