A group of Tibetan Monks will highlight a series of events held during International Education Week, Nov. 14-18, at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Thomas Edison Campus.
For over 25 years the Mystical Arts of Tibet tours by the monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery have crossed the globe to offer these authentic, sacred Tibetan arts to enchanted audiences in major cities and smaller communities alike. Endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Richard Gere, these events are part of a tradition that dates back 2,500 years.
Mandalas constructed from sand are unique to Tibetan Buddhism and are believed to effect purification and healing. Typically, a great teacher chooses the specific mandala to be created. Monks then begin construction of the sand mandala by consecrating the site with sacred chants and music. Next, they make a detailed drawing from memory. Over a number of days, they fill in the design with millions of grains of colored sand. At its completion, the mandala is consecrated. The monks then enact the impermanent nature of existence by sweeping up the colored grains and dispersing them in flowing water.
The Tibetan Monks will begin at noon on Monday, Nov. 14, in Building J, Room 117/118, and will continue Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The closing ceremony will be held at noon on Friday, Nov. 18, and will feature the destruction of the Mandala and polyphonic chanting as the sand is poured into the flowing waters on the FSW Thomas Edison Campus.
Other events will be held throughout the week are:
A performance by Sultan’s Dreams dancers on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 3-4 p.m., in Building J-103.
A movie screening of the film He Named Me Malala on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 5-6 p.m., in Building U -102.
Performances by the Kuumba Dancers & Drummers on Wednesday, Nov. 16 1:30-2 p.m. & 2-2:30 p.m., on the Building I lawn.
A performance by Raaga Indian Dance on Friday, Nov. 18, 6:30 -7:30 p.m., in Building J-103.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Laura Weir, Executive Director, FSW International Education, at (239) 433-6941.
