The serene towns of Folsom and Placerville are set to experience a unique cultural infusion. As reported by the Folsom Times on December 27, 2023, the Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery’s monks will visit these communities from January 3rd to 20th, 2024. This visit, part of the Sacred Arts Tour, brings Tibetan culture and teachings to the Sierra Foothills for the 21st year in a row.
The Placerville Friends of Tibet, who have been hosting this enriching event since 2003, are excited to extend the tour to Folsom. The theme for the 2024 tour is “Cultivating Compassion,” fitting for a time when the world seeks more empathy and understanding. The Folsom Times highlights the deep connection between the Gaden Shartse Monastery, situated in Southern India, and the Sierra Foothills community.
During their stay, the monks will engage the community in various activities. These include creating sand mandalas, a traditional Tibetan art form known for its intricate designs and symbolic meaning. The Folsom Times notes that the opening ceremony and Dharma talk in Folsom will take place on January 3rd at 6:00 p.m., with the sand mandala viewing available daily until 7:30 p.m. The Placerville event will follow a similar schedule, starting on January 9th.
The monks’ visit is more than a cultural showcase; it’s an opportunity for local residents to learn about Tibetan perspectives on Buddha’s teachings. They will offer empowerments, astrology readings, healings, and blessings. The importance of these interactions, as mentioned in the Folsom Times, lies in their ability to foster a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
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Supporting the Gaden Shartse Monastic College is a crucial aspect of the tour. Founded in 1969 in Mundgod, Karnataka, India, this college is a center for Tibetan monastic education and houses over 1600 students, teachers, and spiritual practitioners. The Folsom Times emphasizes the monastery’s role in preserving and teaching the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, followed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
This event is a significant endeavor by the Placerville Friends of Tibet, a group of dedicated volunteers who have been instrumental in sharing Tibetan culture with the El Dorado County and the greater Sacramento region. Their partnership with Arts & Culture El Dorado has been pivotal in making this cultural exchange possible.
In summary, the visit of the Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery monks to Folsom and Placerville is not just a cultural event; it’s a bridge between communities, offering insights into a rich spiritual tradition and fostering a sense of global togetherness. For more details on the schedule and events, the Folsom Times recommends visiting placervillefriendsoftibet.org.
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