Universal Day of Compassion
Sunday, July 12th, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the Universal Day of Compassion and the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama! Please join us on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. as we celebrate the life, wisdom, and legacy of one of the world's most respected spiritual leaders and humanitarians.
Throughout his life, His Holiness has carried three principal commitments:
- Promoting the happiness and well-being of all beings through the sharing of universal human values.
- Encouraging harmony and mutual understanding among the world's religious traditions.
- Preserving and promoting Tibetan culture, language, and heritage.
His Holiness's lifelong dedication to compassion, peace, and service has been recognized through numerous honours, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Templeton Prize, the Congressional Gold Medal, honorary doctorates, and many other international awards.
Celebration Schedule
Our celebration will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. with the offering of Khatas to His Holiness, followed by the sharing of desi (sweet rice) and chai.
Our Society President will offer a short welcome, and Kushok will lead auspicious prayers and long-life prayers dedicated to His Holiness. Following the dedication prayers, we will gather outdoors for the traditional Sangsol Offering Ceremony.
A community lunch will follow (weather permitting), providing an opportunity to enjoy a meal together and connect with fellow members and friends. If you would like to contribute to the meal, Kushok has kindly requested that attendees bring either a salad or a dessert to share.
Gaden Samten Ling Raffle Draw
During the celebration, we will draw the winning ticket for the Gaden Samten Ling Raffle, featuring a grand prize of $5,000.If you have not yet purchased your raffle ticket, please contact the Office to arrange your purchase.
Tickets are $20 each, and only 1,000 tickets will be issued. Tickets may also be purchased before the event on the day of the celebration.
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to assist with setup, kitchen support, cleanup, and various tasks throughout the day.If you are interested in helping, please contact our Volunteer Coordinators:
Sarah Pearce — Sarah.Pearce@gsl-ab.ca
Karlie Marrazzo — Karlie.Marrazzo@gsl-ab.ca
Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet: Universal Day of Compassion July 12th Volunteer Sign Up
Please RSVP by Monday, July 6, 2026, so we can prepare accordingly and ensure there is enough food for everyone. Thank you for your continued support of Gaden Samten Ling. We look forward to celebrating this special day together and honoring the extraordinary example of compassion set by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.