自在寺 · At Ease Temple
Guanyin days: the 19th of the 2nd, 6th and 9th lunar months (2026–2030)
Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is the best-loved bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism. By popular tradition there are three Guanyin days each year, all on the 19th of a lunar month:
- The 19th of the 2nd lunar month: Guanyin's birthday
- The 19th of the 6th lunar month: Guanyin's awakening
- The 19th of the 9th lunar month: the day Guanyin left home for the spiritual life
These days come from Chinese folk tradition rather than from the sutras, but for centuries they have been important days for Chinese Buddhists to honour Guanyin.
Dates, 2026 to 2030
| Year | Birthday | Awakening | Leaving home |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 April (Mon) | 1 August (Sat) | 28 October (Wed) |
| 2027 | 26 March (Fri) | 22 July (Thu) | 18 October (Mon) |
| 2028 | 14 March (Tue) | 9 August (Wed) | 5 November (Sun) |
| 2029 | 2 April (Mon) | 29 July (Sun) | 26 October (Fri) |
| 2030 | 22 March (Fri) | 19 July (Fri) | 15 October (Tue) |
Dates follow the lunar calendar in Hong Kong time.
The 1st and 15th
Many people also visit a temple, offer incense or eat vegetarian food on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, as regular days to reflect and draw near to the Buddha's teaching.
At At Ease Temple
On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, lotus lamps are lit around the Guanyin statue at At Ease Temple; on the three Guanyin days, lotus lamps also line the Circling Path. The days follow Hong Kong time, so every visitor sees the same.