Tibetan Monks return to CNY, schedule events throughout October

The Tibetan Monk tour has returned to Central New York.

Having found asylum in India, the Monks of Gaden Shartse are exiled from their home in Tibet and tour the world in an effort to raise awareness of their plight.

“The initial tour in 2005 had such a great response,” said Dr. Joan Coff, local coordinator for the tour, adding this is the group’s third visit to the area.

“After the first visit, the monks told me that CNY was one of the most open, kind places that they had had the honor of visiting. They found the people were so warm and friendly, and they would enjoy returning.”

In addition to their plight, the monks travel around the world to spread awareness of the culture of Tibet, and share the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

“People are interested in the culture of Tibet and enjoy meeting and spending time with the monks,” Coff said.

The tour also raises funds for the Tibetan refugee resettlement area in India. Since 2005, the monks have raised enough money to build a hospital, stock a library with books, buy land to grow food, increase sanitation in their community and a variety of other projects.

While in Central New York, the monks have scheduled numerous events including the creation of a sand mandala. According to Coff, the sand mandala is a beautiful work of art and a view into the ancient culture and traditions of Tibet.

“It’s an amazing experience, the sight of the mandala, the rhythmic sound of the tools they use to place the sand, and the calm feeling the monks somehow convey to everyone they come in contact with,” she said.

Using metal tubes filled with colored, ground gemstones, the Tibetan monks will create the detailed, two-dimensional, sand painting at the Zen Center of Syracuse from Oct. 7 to 10. The public is invited to observe the mandala in process as the monks continue the ancient ritual. The Zen Center will open at 9:30 a.m. each morning.

“[There is a] sense of community that grows among observers. Many people stay for hours to watch the construction, and return each day to see the progress,” Coff said. “I’ve seen conversations start, and new connections being made by members in our community.”

Once completed (Sunday afternoon), the mandala will be swept up and distributed in Onondaga Creek in an effort to bless the waters.

“Many people have told me that viewing the mandala and meeting the Monks made a deep impression on them, and that feeling stayed with them long after the Monks were gone,” Coff said.

The Monks of Gaden Shartse will be in Central New York through Oct. 29. For complete tour details, visit gadenshartsecf.org.

Events in Syracuse

Personal Healing Sessions – Vajravidaran Ritual

Oct. 7 at Network Chiropractic, 5208 South Salina St.

Vajravidaran is a specialized cleansing deity of esoteric Buddhism. It is very powerful in cleaning body, speech and mind of living beings from all the possible spiritual and material contaminants. The ritual contributes greatly to the harnessing positive energy, and increase mental and physical faculties.

The Inside Job: Journey Of A Western Buddhist Monk

Oct. 13 at Seven Rays Bookstore, 222 Walton St.

Call 424-9137 to register for programs

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 13

Venerable Jangchub Chophel is a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan tradition and the director of the Gaden Shartse Cultural Foundation. Come join us as he shares his personal journey and the inner transformation that lead him to a Buddhist monastery in a remote part of Southern India.

Personal Healing Sessions – Vajravidaran Ritual

Oct. 14 at Seven Rays Bookstore, 222 Walton St.

Call 424-9137 to register for programs

Chenrezig Meditation Workshop

Oct. 15 to 17 at Seven Rays Bookstore, 222 Walton St.

Call 424-9137 to register for programs

This four-session workshop with Venerable Jangchub Chophel will provide intensive one-on-one instruction for those wishing to establish a daily practice with the focus of Chenrezig (Buddha of Compassion).

The Grand Finale

Oct. 29 at Storer Auditorium, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike

7:30 p.m.

A Journey to the Roof of the World: Sacred Dance and Chants of Tibet. Long hidden behind the Himalayan mountain ranges, the ancient Tibetan culture remained virtually untouched by the outside world for thousands of years. Though these are secret and sacred dances not intended for the general public, on tour the Monks are able to perform short excerpts from these dances along with Tibetan folk dances. Elaborate costumes, enchanting music and a glimpse into a hidden culture make this event an opportunity for entertainment and learning for the whole family. Two-hour stage program; suggested $20 donation.