Announcement

A relatively rare situation has arisen in the ancient Tsurphu calendar: the first day of the first month of the Tibetan year 2152, the day on which Losar (Tibetan New Year) falls, is missing. We have mentioned this to you many times, that the Tibetan calendar is a complicated system. The Tibetan months always start at the New Moon, but because of the alignment of the lunar cycle and the solar year, additional months and days are sometimes added or omitted. If a special day falls on one of these missing days, such as Amitabha Buddha Day, Shakyamuni Buddha Day, or Duchen or even Losar, it must be moved forward or backward. To do this we make comparisons, the end result of which is when the special day will be.

In the Tsurphu system we use, based on His Holiness the Karmapa's instructions, these interventions may differ from the other major system, Phukpa. This time, according to the Western calendar, the date of Losar is on the same day (there have been and will be times when it differs!). However, in the Phugpa calendar, the last day of the Tibetan year 2151 is missing, from which Losar "jumps" forward, whereas in the Tsurphu we use, the day "jumps" backwards. So this is not a mistake in celebrating Losar on the 30th day of the 12th lunar month of the "previous" year, but the result of lunar positioning and precise astronomical calculations, which ultimately coincides with the Western date of the other great calendar tradition: 28 February 2025.

Another topic is that 2152 will be a so-called "black year". 

These are a concept associated with the Chinese-originated astrological system, which is repeated in nine-year cycles. Mewa numbers play a role in determining the characteristics of the years. These numbers range from 1 to 9 and are associated with different elements and colours. For example, the first mewa (chi-kar) is white and associated with iron. This year we are in (Tibetan year 2151, which started on 10 February 2024) is the third mewa (sum-thing): blue and water. The next year (2152) is the second mewa (nyi-na), black and related to water. So, each year has a mewa number - which do not go in numerical order - and a year is considered a black year if the second mewa (nyi-na) coincides with one of the signs of the tiger, snake, monkey or pig. So, for example, the year 2025 will be a black year because the second mewa is associated with the snake sign. The next black year will be in 2034 when the tiger sign coincides with the second mewa.

Black years have a special potential associated with them. People born in this year, with a mewa number of nyi-na and one of the four aforementioned signs, have special potential, they may be able to do outstanding things if they follow the right path. If they do things in the right way for the betterment of the world, for the human sciences or as political leaders... whatever they do, if they do it in the right way, they are capable of excelling compared to other people. However, if they take a negative turn, their potential can manifest itself in negative ways.

During a black year, astrologers generally recommend avoiding major construction and other important projects. If for some reason work is unavoidable, it is advisable to use antidotes. These antidotes - such as prayers, rituals, ceremonies - are based on the instructions of lamas, who rely on the knowledge they gain through meditation and their special abilities. So if it is not unavoidable, do not start, whether it is a building, a bridge or even a statue of Buddha! In the case of death, it is also customary to consult an astrologer, who will determine the appropriate antidotes and the time of the ceremonies and burial.

In a black year, it is also advisable to avoid marriages. If for some reason this is not possible, for example because it is difficult to bring together a family who live in many parts of the world or because the planning is at an advanced stage, then the use of antidotes is recommended in this case too.

So astrologers say there is nothing to worry about. It is therefore advisable to avoid major construction and projects and if unavoidable, to seek advice from your Rinpoche, Lama, teacher.

Thank you very much for your kind attention!

We wish you all the best for the coming year also!

Karma Kagyu Calendar