On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible within a band across the entire contiguous United States. It will only be visible in other countries as a partial eclipse.



A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between earth and the sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the earth’s view of the sun.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche advises that on solar eclipses the merit generated is multiplied by 100 million and that any beneficial practices can be done.

In particular, Rinpoche recommends:

Recitation of the names of the Thirty-Five Confession Buddhas

Vajrasattva mantras

Practices specifically recommended by Rinpoche for eclipses, and what are known as Buddha Multiplying Days, include:

Of course, any other meritorious activities often advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, such as recitation of the Sanghata Sutra, Sutra of Golden Light, etc., with extensive dedications, are also good to do on these days. These texts are available on our sutras page.

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