A delegation of Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in India will be at the Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center April 12-17. The monks will create a peace sand mandala, speak with visitors, and share information about Tibetan culture.
“Over the years, the visit of the monks and creation of the peace sand mandala and prayers each year we are able to host them has become deeply meaningful to many people in our community,” said Mariposa Executive Director Karla Hostetler. “It’s a chance to participate in a demonstration of peace and compassion that is urgently needed in our world.”
The monks are visiting the United States as representatives of the Drepung Gomang Monastery in the Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in Mundgod, in the North Kanara district of Karnataka in South India.
The monastery is also a monastic university, which along with centers in Gaden and Sera make up the three great seats of learning, contemplating, and practicing Tibetan Buddhism.
On Tuesday, an opening ceremony will be held at 10 a.m.
On each of the following days the museum will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. A closing ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on April 17, which will include chanting and prayers, the dismantling of the mandala and procession to the river to release the remaining sand into the water, weather permitting.
Admission to the museum during this period is $10 for an unlimited multi-pass visit for adults, $9 for seniors, and $8 for children. A one-time pass is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children, with members free.
Each day after 5 p.m., the monks are available to perform house blessings for members of the community for a private donation to the Sacred Arts Tour. Please contact the Mariposa for further information.
The Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center fosters peace, global awareness, and understanding across cultural boundaries through compelling exhibits, performances and programs, and regional educational partnerships.