Great Compassion Mandala Tour
October 8-12, 2018
The tour is designed by Geshe Tsewang Dorje, director of the Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Ladakh, India, to share the beauty of Himalayan Buddhist culture and to spread a message kindness and compassion. Three monks will construct a traditional Sand Mandala on a platform over a three-day period, and on the fourth day will sweep up the colored sand to deposit in nearby Monument Creek to symbolize both the reality of impermanence and the power of sharing all blessings with others.
Founded in 1979 by the Ladakhi alumni of Sera Jey Monastery (located in South India), the Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics is an Indian NGO dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Himalayan region. In 2010, the monks established hostels for children who would otherwise miss educational opportunities, in particular, orphans and extremely poor children from the remote area between Ladakh and Tibet. Currently, 60 students, ages 5-14, live at the institute and attend local schools. The institute provides them with room, board, tuition fees, book and clothing allowances, and access to medical care, as well as a Buddhist and cultural education. Learn more about the institute at www.NgariMandalaTour.org.
The Buddhist Mandala: The Hidden Heart of Tibetan Culture
Monday, Oct. 8 | 6 p.m.
The Mandala celebration begins with a free lecture by renowned scholar Dr. Robert Thurman. Identified in 1997 by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential Americans, Dr. Thurman is the Je Tsong kha pa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University and the author and translator of more than a dozen books on Buddhism. At the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Thurman co-founded the Tibet House in New York City, in collaboration with his wife, Nena Thurman, and actor Richard Gere. Tibet House’s mission is to preserve the rich resources of Tibetan culture. Known for his extensive scholarship, inspiring teaching, close friendship with the Dalai Lama and, of course, for his daughter Uma, Prof. Thurman is a world-renowned educator with a broad following.
This event is free and open to the public; no RSVP required; located at Cornerstone Arts Center, Celeste Theater, 825 N. Cascade Ave.
Mandala Creation
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Oct. 9, 10, 11 | times vary
The monks will be working on the Mandala throughout the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and visitors are invited to watch this amazing process.
This event is free and open to the public; located at the Fine Arts Center, Smith Family Gallery.
FAC Member Events
Paubha Painting Member Lecture and Ceremony | Oct. 10, 4-6 p.m.
Chelsea Beach, founder of the Himalayan Art School in Colorado Springs, will speak about Paubha painting, a 1,000-year-old genre created by the indigenous people of Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley. “Paubha” means, “divine in flat form.” The images in the paintings are used as visual aids for visualization meditations in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition. Chelsea received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and studied for three years under Paubha master artist Lok Chitrakar of Simrik Atelier in Patan, Nepal.
After the lecture, join us for a Paubha Painting Eye-Opening Ceremony. Geshe Tsewang will consecrate the Paubha paintings done by Chelsea Beach and the students of the Himalayan Art School. During the ceremony, the figures in the paintings are thought to become imbued with the spirit of enlightenment.
RSVP required: This event is SOLD OUT. However, members may still attend the reception from 6-7 p.m.
Reception | Oct. 10, 6-7 p.m.
At the reception following the lecture and ceremony, FAC members are invited to meet the monks and to speak with Dr. David Gardiner, Professor of Religion at Colorado College. A cash bar and light refreshments will be available.
RSVP not required for the reception.
Dissolution Ceremony
Friday, Oct. 12 | 12 p.m.
The monks will begin the dissolution ceremony by chanting prayers, then they will destroy the mandala and carry the sand to Monument Creek, to help all humans generate compassion and understand the impermanence of all things. Attendees will receive packets of the sacred sand. Please note that a portion of this event will entail walking from FAC to Monument Creek.
This event is free and open to the public; located at the Fine Arts Center, Smith Family Gallery.
Sponsors
Colorado College Religion Department
Colorado College Cultural Attractions Fund
Colorado College Asian Studies
Innovation at Colorado College
