love is self-existent, beyond all contrivance and manipulation. It arises
spontaneously, simply because the obstacles to its arising have been removed."
Rigdzin Shikpo
Celebration & Festival Days
Coming together as a community to celebrate, feast and enjoy being together are important aspects of the tradition – both building a sense of Sangha (community) and being practices in their own right (Ganacakra).
We meet as a Sangha through the year at celebration days which involve teachings from Rigdzin Shikpo, sharing food and drink and making offerings of song, story and music etc. While not open to the public, these days are generally open to anyone who has begun training in some way within the Longchen tradition perhaps in a local group or a public event, and who wants to strengthen their connection to the community and lineage.
Summer Sangha Celebration Day - a feast day and gathering
of the Longchen Sangha with teachings on the importance of community and
family from Rigdzin Shikpo. This usually takes place in June each year,
and students are welcome to invite their own friends and family along as
guests.
Refuge & Bodhisattva Vow Day - committing oneself to the Buddhist Path (Going for Refuge) and dedicating one's activities and practice for the benefit of all sentient beings are important steps on the Buddhist training. Once a year the Sangha meets to support and celebrate with those who have decided to take those steps. This celebration day usually happens in November each year.
Longchenpa Day - a celebration of the life and liberation of Longchen Rabjam and our ancient lineage and primordial ancestry. This takes place in February each year and is open to students who have furthered their training in Longchen.
Local celebrations and festivities - in addition to these three days where the whole Sangha gathers together, local groups will also have their own occasional Ganacakra - perhaps to celebrate the end of a course, a short retreat, New Year etc.
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