Opening Ceremony | Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery

Lily Dale Assembly opens its 147th season with a truly extraordinary week-long visit from the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery — one of the most revered institutions in Tibetan Buddhism. From June 20 through 24, the monks will be in residence at the Lily Dale Fire Hall on East Street, where they will create a sacred Medicine Buddha Sand Mandala — an ancient ritual of breathtaking beauty and profound spiritual significance.

The sand mandala is one of Buddhism’s most powerful symbols of impermanence and compassion. Over the course of several days, the monks will painstakingly construct the mandala using colored sand — and then, in a deeply moving closing ceremony, dismantle it and release the sand into Cassadaga Lake, sending its blessings out into the world.

Throughout the week, visitors are welcome to come and watch the monks at work, learn about the sand and tools they use, and witness a tradition that has been practiced for centuries.

Saturday, June 20:

9:30–11:30 AM — Opening Ceremony: The preparation and creation of the Medicine Buddha Sand Mandala begins (Lily Dale Fire Hall) — $55

5:30–6:30 PM — Community Picnic Benefit: Share a spiritual meal with the Monks in the Picnic Pavilion next to the Fire Hall. Hosted by the City of Light Spiritualist Church. $10 Love Donation — all proceeds benefit the Monks.

8:00–10:00 PM — Performance of the Medicine Buddha Puja with Blessings (Lily Dale Auditorium): A sacred evening for healing, well-being, and peace — featuring Tibetan long horns, trumpets, percussion, and meditative chants practiced during auspicious times to call in the higher powers of good. — $30