From Wednesday, January 16 through Saturday, January 19, we will be hosting Tibetan Monks from the Tashi Gomang Dharma Center as they embark on their Sacred Arts Tour. Join us at any point to witness them creating their Mandala Sand Painting, a meditation and Chanting Event (Wednesday Night Service), Dinner, A cultural pageant and meet and greets. There will also be merchandise set up during the entire week.
The events are as follows (see further down for dates and times)
Sand Mandala
Mandalas are of profound symbolic value in Tantric Buddhism and are regarded by some as sacred. They can take a variety of forms: from simple diagrams and elaborate paintings on cloth, to complicated patterns of colored sand and large three dimensional carved structures.Sand Mandalas represent the universe and act as an architectural blueprint of the enlightened mind. The Drepung Gomang monks are renowned for the Sacred Art of Sand Mandala Construction. The event includes opening ceremonies, informal conversation and socializing as the mandala is created and formal closing ceremonies. Closing ceremonies include prayers, chanting, deconstruction, and sharing the blessed sand.
Cultural Pageant
Experience ancient Tibetan cultural rituals of dance such as yak dance, snow lion dance, Good luck dance and sacred chants, prayers and debate as authentic Tibetan traditions come to life.
Wednesday, January 16
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM The Monks will begin the Mandala Sand Painting in the Sanctuary.
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Meditation and Chanting Event. This will take place in Grace Chapel.
7:30 PM and on. There will be a meet and greet with the Monks.
Thursday, January 17
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Mandala Sand Painting Continues.
Friday, January 18
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Mandala Sand Painting Continues.
6:30 – 7:30 PM, Cultural Pageant in Sanctuary.
Saturday, January 19
10:00 AM to Noon. Mandala Sand Painting completed followed by the releasing and closing ceremony.