Monday, August 24, 2020

Favorable and unfavorable days for cutting hair

(Photo Courtesy: Gasa Dzongkhang Facebook Page)) 

According to Tibetan astrology, the lunar cycle has a strong influence upon our daily activities.  Therefore, on certain days of the lunar month some activities are avoided while others are emphasized.  For example, the hair and nails are believed to be connected with the vital life-force.  Therefore, when a practitioner is performing longevity practices, the hair and nails are not cut for the duration of the retreat.  Special attention is also paid to which day of the lunar month is favorable for cutting the hair and nails in general.  It is believed that if they are cut on an unfavorable lunar day, it could diminish the vital life-force.

For Bhutanese this is as per the teaching of Guru Rinpoche when he first visited Bumthang in the 8th century in the year 746 A.D. Guru Rinpoche conquered all demons and spirit in Bumthang and later he invoked Command or Order that we should cut our hair as per Buddhist Astrology on auspicious days in the month. Guru also reminded that just to live long our life:

  • We should throw cut hairs in the river as river is spontaneous flow indicating long life like river. If possible take hair in the river Ganga, so our sins are purified.
  • We can also throw in the forest, as forest is the wealth of greenery and will accumulate abandonment wealth like forest. 
  • We can also burn down and with the smell or scent will reach Realm of Gods and Devas and will think those human beings are dying in the World (Human Realm). This will in-turn increase our wisdom and intelligent too.
  • We should not throw cut hairs randomly it will hamper to our power of personality and short life (Wangta-lungta).      

Year of the Iron Mouse 

(Photo Courtesy: Tibet House US) 

FAVOURABLE days of the lunar month for cutting the hair are:

the 8th to bring longevity
26 August, 24 September, 24 October, 22 November, 22 December, 21 January 2021, 19 i 20 February 2021

the 9th to bring attractive energy
27 August, 25 September, 25 October, 23 November, 23 December, 22 January 2021, 21 February 2021

the 10th to bring magnetism
28 August, 26 September, 26 October, 24 November, 24 December, 23 January 2021, 22 February 2021

the 11th to bring intelligence
August, 27 September, 27 October, 25 November, 25 December, 24 January 2021, 23 February 2021

the 26th and 27th to bring happiness
13 & 14 September; 13 & 14 October, 11 & 12 November; 11 December; 9 & 10 January 2021; 7 & 8 February 2021

UNFAVOURABLE days are:

the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 12th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 28th and 29th days of the lunar month. Cutting one’s hair on these days will lead to a loss of vitality.

August: 4, 6, 9, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 30
September: 3, 5, 8, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 28
October: 2, 4, 8, 12, 15, 17, 18, 23, 28
November: 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 26
December: 1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 21, 26, 30
January 2021: 1, 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 20, 25, 29, 31
February: 3, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 24, 28


Results of cutting hair on different days of lunar month (check with gorgerin calendar)


(Photo Courtesy: Dasho Tshering Tobgay FB Page)Add caption

1st  of the month – one will have a short life 

2nd of the month – one will have many diseases 

3rd  wealth will come 

4thone will have good complexion of one’s body 

5th one’s possessions will increase 

6th one will be sued (court case) 

7th one’s complexion will disappear (body color will disappear) 

8th one will have long life 

9th one will meet youthful people (boyfriend, girlfriend) 

10th one will have great power 

11th one will have sharp intelligence 

12th there will be danger to one’s life 

13th it is good for all living beings 

14th one will become wealthy 

15th it is auspicious 

16th one will have thirst 

17th the color of your flesh will turn blue 

18th one will receive possessions 

19th one will meet good people (people who will help you) 

20th one will have hungered and thirst 

21st one will have diseases 

22nd one will find food and water 

23rd good will come, things will be positive 

24th one will have eye pain 

25th one will get contagious diseases 

26th one will always be happy 

27th one’s virtue will increase 

28th fighting and quarrelling will happen 

29th one’s life/spirit potential will wander 

30th one will meet with persons who have died and have been reborn as spirits in human form. 

 

Reference: 

1.    www.phubdorjiwang.com

2.    The Benchen Karma Kamtsang Buddhist Association

3.     Lama Zopa Rinpoche

4.     Jambay Tashi, GNHC