Overview
Across Buddhist cultures, the lunar calendar shapes a constant rhythm of practice: days for reflection, precepts, compassion, gratitude, and renewal. Here we provide a list of the main Buddhist days of observance.
In Tiantai Buddhism, these observances reflect the principle that every moment contains the whole Dharma, yet certain days offer focused opportunities for deeper practice.
The Tiantai Buddhist Calendar follows this traditional pattern, tracking both universal Buddhist observances and those especially meaningful in the Tiantai/Tendai lineage.
This guide outlines the major days you will find throughout the year, in which you can reflect and turn the mind towards awakening.
1. Regular Observance Days
Uposatha (布薩日 / 持戒日)
New Moon & Full Moon
The Uposatha is one of the oldest Buddhist observances. Traditionally kept on the new and full moon, it is a day dedicated to:
- renewing moral precepts,
- reciting sutras,
- meditation, particularly zhi–guan,
- simplifying conduct,
- reflecting on karma and intention.
In Tiantai practice, many practitioners read or chant portions of the Lotus Sūtra on these days, seeing each lunar phase as a reminder of impermanence and renewal.
View our Tiantai Calendar for a visual map of observance dates.
The Half Moon Days
The Eighth day of each lunar fortnight (waxing and waning moons)
These observance days are frequently adopted by lay followers. Practices include:
- partial fasting,
- maintaining the Eight Precepts for 24 hours,
- reciting sūtras or mantras,
- cultivating kindness and restraint.
They are a way to weave Dharma into the structure of ordinary life.
2. Major Annual Observances
Vesak / Buddha’s Birthday (佛誕日)
8th day of the 4th lunar month
Celebrates the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, the Historical Buddha. A day of devotion, bathing the Buddha image, and rededicating one’s commitment to compassion.
Parinirvana Day (涅槃會 / 涅槃日)
15th day of the 2nd lunar month
Commemorates the passing of the Historical Buddha. It is traditionally a day for contemplating:
- impermanence (anicca),
- gratitude for the Buddha’s teachings,
- the continuity of the Dharma beyond physical form.
Ullambana (盂蘭盆會 / Obon)
15th day of the 7th lunar month
The “Festival of Deliverance”, honouring ancestors and dedicating merit to all beings in difficult states. Inspired by the story of Maudgalyayana freeing his mother through offerings and compassion.
Dharma Transmission Day (傳法會)
Date varies
Celebrates the continuity of lineage, especially significant in the Tiantai/Tendai tradition established by Zhiyi in China and Saicho in Japan. A day for remembering teachers and reaffirming the aspiration to receive, preserve, and transmit the Dharma.
3. Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) Days
Guanyin (觀音), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is deeply venerated in Tiantai/Tendai. Traditionally, three “19th-day” observances mark her life and vows:
- Birth: 19th day of the 2nd lunar month
- Enlightenment: 19th day of the 6th lunar month
- Renunciation: 19th day of the 9th lunar month
Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra – The Universal Gateway of Avalokitesvara – is often recited on these days.
4. Suggested Practices for Observance Days
These observances are not strict rituals; they are opportunities for renewed attention. Common practices include:
- Reading the Lotus Sutra (even a single chapter)
- Sitting zhi–guan (calming and contemplation)
- Keeping silence or limiting speech for part of the day
- Performing acts of generosity or compassion
- Offering incense or flowers
- Reflecting on one’s intentions
- Refraining from intoxicants, harsh speech, or needless indulgence
Even simple acts such as lighting a candle, saying a short prayer, or bowing, can align the heart with the Dharma.
5. The Tiantai Perspective on the Observance Cycle
Zhiyi taught that each moment contains the Ten Dharma Realms and the Three Thousand Worlds, yet human beings often benefit from structure and rhythm. The lunar calendar acts as a skillful means (upaya):
“When the mind accords with the time, the Dharma becomes present.”
— Tiantai principle
Observance days are therefore not holy in themselves, but mirrors for the mind. They are opportunities to deepen compassion, insight, and presence.
Conclusion
Buddhist observance days form a beautiful mandala across the lunar year, moments when practice, remembrance, and community gather. For Tiantai practitioners, these days remind us that awakening unfolds not outside time but through time, illuminating each phase with wisdom.
The Tiantai Buddhist Calendar Project provides these dates throughout the year. You can add the calendar to your preferred app (such as Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple iCal and so on) from our homepage.
See also: Important Buddhist Observance Days (Mahayana & East Asian Traditions)