From Dec 28, 2023 to Jan 6, 2024 there is the opportunity to spend ten days peacefully with Lama Sangye Monlam at Yeshe Sal Ling, performing Sangchoe in the morning, and Choed in the evening, and observing two (or more) meditation sessions every day. Then, you can help Lama Sangye with preparations for the Gutor ritual, and stay for the Gutor ritual and Bon Losar celebrations:
In 2024, the date of the traditional Tibetan New Year of nomads and farmers, "Bi-Lug Losar" (literally, Yak-calf and sheep Losar - on which farm animals are given special treats) or "Sonam Losar" (literally, agriculture Losar), which is particularly observed by Bonpos, is January 12. Rituals are performed in the last week of the old year, to get rid of problems of the past and the potential for problems in the future.
In the week leading up to Bi-lug Losar, January 7-10, 2024, Lama Sangye performs the Gutor ritual of the wrathful Sherab Jyamma. We will also practice some other customs for good luck and the dispelling of obstacles in the coming year. These rituals culminate of Jan 10. (If you can only visit for one day, make it Jan 10).
On January 10, following the end of Gutor (in the late morning), there will be, in the afternoon, various rites for good luck in the New Year, such as ransom and washing practices, as well as, in the early evening, Guthug, the traditional end of the year soup with nine ingredients. The timeline is:
