The Gajang Tsawa Bring Blessings to the Pittsburgh Community

Pittsburgh is blessed to be hosting a group of amazing Gajang Tsawa monks during their World Peace tour. There are lots of fun events planned to share the message of peace, harmony and healing.

This past weekend the Tibetan monks were at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for a Tibetan Cultural Celebration. Friday night at the Children’s Museum Pittsburgh featured a free interactive art experience for adults on Tibetan art techniques. Dr. Geshe Dorji Wangchuk demonstrated the techniques used in Thangka painting. Everyone was able to try their skills at learning the forms that each monk must master before advancing to more complicated painting. Several monks demonstrated Torma construction and made the most amazing creations from clay. Saturday and Sunday, the monks enjoyed demonstrating their skills to children and adults alike. I think everyone will agree, sand mandala art is much harder than it looks.

The music and demonstrations of Tibetan Lama ritual dancing, included personal lessons from Geshe Wangchuk and an opportunity for everyone to try.

 

Sunday evening with the monks included an amazing Tibetan healing ritual for all sentient beings at the Mesa Creative Arts Center. The beauty of the sunset and the majesty of the clouds, echoed the sentiments of each participant. It was an honor to be a part of such an incredible experience.

The monks will be in residence at First United Methodist Church in Shadyside all this week. Monday evening was the kick off for the week of Healing with the opening ceremony of the sacred Medicine Buddha Sand Mandala. If you’ve never seen one in person it is an unforgettable experience. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – the monks will be working on the mandala from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, the community is invited to watch, meditate, and receive the prayers for healing throughout the week. The dissolution ceremony will be held Thursday evening. All participants will be give some sand from the mandala. On Wednesday evening, there will be a multicultural Worship Jam. Everyone is invited!!!

Everyone is welcome to attend the events, so please bring your friends and family. All events are by donation. No one is ever turned away due to lack of funds. All funds raised go directly to the monks to support their monastery in exile.

May 17th – June 7th — Pittsburgh Welcomes the Tibetan monks from Gaden Jangste Tsawa Khangtsen Monastery

May 17 to June 7, 2012

Pittsburgh is honored to welcome the Tibetan monks from Gaden Jangste Tsawa Khangtsen in India. The Gaden Jangtse Monks Tour strives to promote harmony and peace amongst all people and within each person, and to encourage the cultivation of compassion and kindness towards all living beings through the sharing with others the ancient and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

The Gaden Jangtse touring monks are masters in various Buddhist arts, practices and scholarly trainings, chosen for their exceptional skills and expertise. This year the tour consists of a group of six, specially trained monks led by Geshe Dorji Wangchuk (Geshe Losang Tenzin). This is a rare opportunity to learn about the unique Tibetan Buddhist traditions by experiencing performances of ritual ceremonies, monastic dances and arts, mandala making and teachings on Buddhist philosphies and practices.

During their visit to Pittsburgh,the monks will perform Sacred Music and Dance at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, construct a Sand Mandala at Mesa Creative Arts, offer a Healing Ceremony, as well as conducting Dharma talks, meditation, and prayer ceremonies. There will be several opportunities to meet the monks informally. Please see the Events Schedule for more details of dates, times and event locations in the area.

Everyone is welcome to attend the events, so please bring your friends and family. Children are welcome, although please note that childcare is not provided. All events are by donation. No one is ever turned away due to lack of funds. All funds raised go directly to the monks to support their monastery in exile.

Please check back often for updates and the addition of new events.

 

The Gaden Jangtse Tsawa Khangtsen is one of the 12 dormitories of the Gaden Jangtse Monastery. It is one of the largest with more than 400 monks from the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh (India), Bhutan, Ladakh and Nepal. Gaden Monastery was originally established in Tibet by Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Dakpa in 1409. Je Tsongkhapa was the founder of the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Gaden monastery is one of the three main Gelukpa monasteries, the other two being Drepung and Sera.

Interactive Artist Talk with the Tsawa Monks

Get behind-the-scenes of the techniques and meanings within Tibetan art practice through an artist talk with the Tsawa Monks of Gaden Jangtse Monastery. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear about the ancient art practice from the monks themselves, ask questions, enjoy live demonstrations of ornate Thangka Painting and Butter Sculpture AND try the techniques yourself! Light refreshments will be provided.

Free, RSVP required by May 16 by calling Angela Seals, Program Manager at 412.322.5058 x201 or e-mailing aseals@pittsburghkids.org. This evening is designed for teens and adults.

Friday, May 18th, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Theater of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Bring your whole family for Saturday and Sunday’s Tibetan Arts Weekend at the Museum.

Part of the FINE Artist Residency Series, supported by the Fine Foundation.

http://www.pittsburghkids.org/Templates/CMP_Calendar.aspx.