Tibetan monks tour October 1, 2011

For four consecutive years, we are hosting the Tibetan Monks tour from Gaden Jangtse Monastery, in Phoenix Arizona from September 30th to October 16th.



These events promise to have the same success than past tours have attained.



The Tsawa Monks are a group from Gaden Jangtse Monastery in South India, touring the USA to raise awareness about Tibetan Buddhism and Culture.



These events are open to all and promise to be a great way to learn more about Tibet.



Their purpose is to provide an opportunity for people to learn about their unique Tibetan Buddhist traditions by experiencing performances of ritual ceremonies, monastic dances and arts, mandala making and teachings on Buddhist philosophies and practices.



The tour monks are masters in various Buddhist arts, practices and scholarly trainings, chosen for their exceptional skills and expertise. They will share their vast and highly developed spiritual lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and offer the joy and wisdom of its profound heritage through this tour in Phoenix, AZ from September 30th, to October 15th.



They seek 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 of out ancient and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist traditions



About Gaden Jangtse Monastery:

Gaden Monastery is one of the three major Buddhist monastic universities of Tibet. It was founded by Lama Tsong Khapa in 1409 and at the height of its flourishing contained 7,000 monks devoting themselves to the spiritual path.



After 1959's Chinese invasion to Tibet , Gaden Monastery was rebuilt in exile in Mundgod, south India, starting over with about 300 monks. In the ensuing years Gaden Jangtse Monastery (one of the two wings of Gaden Monastery) has labored with much perseverance to reestablish its precious institutions and traditions. Gaden Jangtse now has about 1,400 monks.



Gaden Monastery is of the Gelugpa tradition, from which His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama's lineage descends.



About Tsawa House:

Within Gaden Jangtse Monastery there are 12 houses (khangtsen) each accommodating monks coming from different geographical areas in and around Tibet.



Tsawa khangtsen is one of the largest houses at Gaden Jangtse and represents various Himalayan regions around Lhasa (Tibet), Bhutan, Nepal, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh (India). When Tibet was free, this khangtsen was home to more than 800 monks. After 1959 only 10 monks from Tsawa house escaped to India. Due to much effort and determination Tsawa house has grown and prospered, and the monks from this tour are an example of the indomitable spirit and joy of the Tibetan spiritual life and its traditions.



All proceeds from this Tour will help feed, house and educate the young monks at the monastery.



Schedule of events:



Saturday October 1st at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. 7415 E Elbow Bend Road, Carefree

10 am to 5:00 pm Sand Mandala by donation

7:00 pm to 9 pm Sacred Chants from Tibet $40

Sunday October 2nd 10 am to 5:00 pm Sand Mandala at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. 7415 E Elbow Bend Road, Carefree