Monks in Phoenix

Over the past couple of months I have written twice about the upcoming visit by the monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery to the Sedona area: once on Dec. 16th, and again on February 17th.

After leaving Sedona the monks will travel south, to Phoenix, Arizona.

Five public events will take place in Phoenix. Suggested donation for each event is $20, except where indicated.

At each event, the audience can engage the monks and learn more about Tibetan culture.

The tour seeks to be accessible to all so that we might join together in creating understanding within our world community and to be a blessing to all sentient beings.

Journey to the Roof of the World: Sacred Chants and Dances of Tibet.
Monday March 14th 2011 7-9:00 pm
Come join us for an evening of sacred sounds from the roof of the world. Long hidden behind the Himalayan mountain ranges, the ancient Tibetan culture remained virtually untouched by the outside world for thousands of years. Now you will have an opportunity to experience the rare sounds and dramatic imagery of Tibetan sacred dances, music, and chants. This is a complete stage performance with ornate costumes. It contains eight different performances presented in two 45 minute segments separated by a short intermission.

Unity Church of Mesa
2700 East Southern Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85204-5415
(480) 892-2700
http://www.unityofmesa.org/

Green Tara Empowerment.
Tuesday March 15th 2011 7-8:30 pm
In this intimate, peaceful space, the monks of Gaden Shartse monastery will engage participants
in Green Tara Empowerment. Green Tara is a beautiful female embodiment of compassion and right action — appropriate for male and female alike. During the Empowerment, each participant’s three doors (body, speech, and mind) are purified of negativities and blessed individually. Participants receive the transmission of her famous, ancient mantra.

Shrine of Holy Wisdom
Fr. Jorge Rodriguez Eagar
5025 S. Ash Ave Suite B-15
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 219-9633
http://www.theshrineofholywisdom.org/

Medicine Buddha Empowerment.
Wednesday March 16 2011 6 – 8:30 pm
What better place to have a healing ceremony than at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts? Medicine Buddha embodies the power of healing of all the Buddhas. As confirmed by both Western and Eastern scientific research, strength of mind and will has a major role in healing. The Medicine Buddha empowerment establishes and strengthens the participant’s ability to receive benefits of the healing powers of all the Buddhas. During the Empowerment, each participant’s three doors (body, speech, and mind) are purified of negativities and blessed individually. Participants receive the direct transmission of the mantra passed down through an unbroken, ancient lineage.

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA)
1100 E. Apache Blvd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 994-9244
http://www.swiha.edu/

Butter Sculpture Workshop for Children and Adults(a).
Thursday March 17, 2011 4:00 – 5:00 pm Suggested donation: $15
Bring out the child in you! Alongside the Tibetan monks of Gaden Shartse, you can create the traditional, conical offering cakes. Usually made of barley flour and butter, the Tibetans call the butter sculptures “tormas,” meaning to “cast away or scatter,” and implying both a sense of offering and dispelling one’s negativies.
Potluck dinner with the monks(b).
Thursday March 17, 2011 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Chenrezig Empowerment(c).
Thursday March 17th 2011 7-8:30 pm
The Buddha of Compassion, known as Chenrezig (Tibetan) or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit), pledged to delay his own attainment of enlightenment until all sentient beings were free from suffering. Receiving the empowerment imparts the famous mantra – Om Mani Padme Hung — and the benefits of his power of compassion and protection. Especially in this era of violence and mental instability, the blessing of Chenrezig helps one become more peaceful and compassionate.

Please call ahead to (480) 471-8987 to reserve your seat for events a-c (above), as this space is limited to 35 people.

Inspired Yoga
925 N. Stapley Dr., Suite E
Mesa, AZ 85203
(480) 471-8987
http://www.inspiredyogi.com/

Chants and Images of Tibetan Monastic Life.
Friday March 18th 2011 7-9:00 pm
In the comfortable hall at the back of this beautiful herb shop, the monks will present a short slideshow on life in the monastery. Join us for a rare peek inside the world of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, capturing the essence of their sacred lifestyle and behind-the-scenes images. The presentation includes narration and a question and answer period. The audience will have an opportunity to engage the monks, learn about their ancient way of life, and hear a multi-phonic chanting sampler.

Southwest Herb Shop
148 N. Center St
Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 694-9931
http://www.swherb.com/

Private healing by appointment. Tue – Fri March 15-18, 2011 10-4 pm.
Email requests to [email protected] or leave a message at 480-710-4355.

Read more at SedonaCyberLink