Sangha Practice Gathering I

Sangha Practice Gathering I – Downpour of Blessings Guru Yoga and Saga Dawa

Friday, May 22^nd – Sunday, May 31^st, 2026

Led by Upacharya Steve Iverson

This extended Sangha Practice Gathering will take place from the 6^th lunar day to the Full Moon 15^th lunar day of the most auspicious month of Saga Dawa.  This month marks the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of the Buddha and is one of the most auspicious and important times of the year for all Buddhists.  It is said that due to the blessings of the Buddha, the merit one accumulates during this time is multiplied many million-fold times.

Sangha members are encouraged to come together at Lotus Garden during this time to fully engage in the practices of accumulating merit and purification.  There will be a daily schedule of group practice focusing on the Downpour of Blessings Guru Yoga.  The auspicious 8^th, 10^th, and the Full moon 15^th lunar day of Saga Dawa will all be observed with extensive prayers and offerings:

8^th Lunar Day (May 24^th) – Guru Yoga and Tara Praises

10^th Lunar Day ( May 26^th) – Downpour of Blessings Feast for all gathered sangha members and live streamed for all North American Study Group members.

15^th Lunar Day (May 31^st) – Saga Dawa – Extended prayers, aspirations, and offerings to Buddha Shakaymuni.

These ten days are a wonderful opportunity to fully engage in the life of a Dharma practitioner and devote oneself fully to practice and service to the Dharma. There will also be group work periods, and all meals and housing will be included.