Greater Sangha Week February 9 -15
This is the first of four Greater Sangha Weeks which will happen in 2009. During each of the four weeks there will be only one sitting event. Sangha members will be encouraged to attend this main event by scheduling ahead. These four events will be Buddhist holidays or Uposatha Observance Days. Uposatha days are times of renewed dedication to Dhamma practice, observed by lay followers and monastics throughout the world of Therarada Buddhism.
The only sitting for the week of February 9 will be Sunday February 15. That is called Magha Puja Day or Sangha Day. It commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants (enlightened persons) in the Buddha’s presence.
The day will begin at 5:30 pm with snack foods and visiting. The Board is bringing finger food and invites others to bring favorite appetizers too.
On this day our sangha will have its Annual Meeting where the new officers will be presented to the sangha. Mike Boren, the retiring president, will give a brief review of the past year.
A precepts ceremony will follow. There are five precepts (or guidelines) for those who follow the Buddha’s teachings. Preceding the precepts ceremony is a commitment to taking refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
All sangha members are encouraged to renew their vows each year. Anyone who is taking the precepts for the first time should contact Mary MacGregor at 426-1318 or Mary@ltnow.com.
This may not be as great as the Inaugaration but it will be GREAT.
