Iron Lotus Sangha

Community Compassion

A space to share what's on your heart and invite the sangha to hold it with you.

Each week, our newsletter includes a section where sangha members can ask the community to direct metta, tonglen, or other support toward someone or something in their lives. Anyone can submit a request — it only takes a moment.

Submit a Request

How It Works

  1. Fill out a short form with a sentence or two about what's happening and what kind of support you'd like.
  2. Submissions received by Sunday evening will appear in Monday's newsletter.
  3. The community reads your request and holds it in their practice that week.
  4. Each week starts fresh. If you'd like continued support, simply resubmit — you can share an update, note a change, or express gratitude.

What to Share

Keep it brief — just a sentence or two is perfect. You might share:

For Sarah's family — Sarah's mother is in hospice care this week. The family is asking for metta and any meal support the community can offer.
— David R.
A community member's colleague is recovering from surgery and facing a long road ahead. Metta and tonglen appreciated.
— Anonymous

Staying Anonymous

The form asks for your name and email so the newsletter editor can follow up with you if needed. Your contact information is never shared with the community.

If you'd like your name left off the published entry entirely, just check the "Keep my submission anonymous" box. Your request will appear attributed to "Anonymous."

What You Can Ask For

The form includes options like metta (loving-kindness), tonglen, phone calls or visits, meals or practical help — or simply asking the community to hold someone in their hearts. You can select as many as feel right, or leave it open-ended.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Submissions are shared with the entire newsletter email list, so please be thoughtful about what details you include. If you're requesting direct support like calls, visits, or meals, the form will ask for the relevant details — and you can also link to a service like MealTrain to help coordinate.

If you're submitting on behalf of someone else, please make sure you have their permission to share the information.

Submissions that arrive after Sunday evening may be held for the following Monday. If something is urgent, the editor will do their best to include it.
Submit a Request