Dharma Day Celebration - La Ba Porridge Collection

Prior to attaining enlightenment, the Buddha undertook 6 years of ascetic practice but failed to achieve awakening, hence he decided to give up on this path of austerities. Upon reaching the banks of River Neranjara, due to long bouts of extreme hunger, the emaciated Buddha fainted and fell onto the ground. Fortunately, a shepherd lady happened to pass by and offered the Buddha a bowl of milk-rice. With this nourishment, the Buddha gradually recuperated his strength and returned to Mount Gaya, where he meditated on the diamond throne under a Bodhi tree and vowed never to leave until he attained enlightenment. Under a starry night on December 8th of Lunar Calendar, the Buddha became enlightened, and therefore this day is also known as the “Buddha’s Enlightenment Day”. Thus every year, on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the Chinese lunar calendar or Laba Day, buddhist temples would usually prepare Laba Porridge. The dish is also known as “Buddha’s Porridge”, tracing its origins from the story of the milk-rice offered by the shepherd lady to the Buddha.

Consisting of 5 different grains, various beans, and nuts, Laba Porridge is offered to the Buddhas and the masses. In the past, people believed that eating Laba Porridge brings peace and wisdom. Hence, they would visit the temple and have a bowl of Laba Porridge on Laba Day. It has since become a tradition to make Laba Porridge on this very day.