Placerville and Folsom, CA El Dorado County (Dec 15 2023) – In a celebration of compassion, culture, and centuries-old traditions, the Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour by Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery is set to grace Folsom and Placerville from January 3rd through the 20th, 2024. Hosted by Placerville Friends of Tibet for over two decades, this year’s tour marks an expansion into the Folsom area, continuing its mission of spreading awareness about Tibetan arts, teachings, and fostering compassion within communities.
Mandalas of Compassion and Healing:
In Folsom, the Tibetan Buddhist Monks will craft the White Tara female deity mandala, symbolizing compassion and healing. Meanwhile, in Placerville, the focus shifts to the Avalokiteshvara male deity mandala, representing the universal compassion of Buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Both mandalas will undergo a mesmerizing closing ceremony: The White Tara dissolution ceremony in Folsom on Saturday, January 6th, from 4-6 p.m., and the Avalokiteshvara dissolution ceremony in Placerville on Saturday, January 20th, from 4-8 p.m.
A Message of Compassion:
The theme for this year’s locally sponsored tour is “Cultivating Compassion.” Gaden Shartse Monastery, situated in Southern India (in exile), expresses deep gratitude to founders, organizers, communities, and partners for making this cultural exchange possible over the years.
During the tour, the monks will share their arts and culture, offering insights into Tibetan perspectives on the Buddha’s teachings. Activities include empowerments, astrology readings, healings, and blessings for individuals, families, businesses, pets, and the community.
Event Details:
In Placerville:
- Opening ceremony and Dharma talk: January 9th, 6:00 p.m.
- Public viewing of the sand mandala: Daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Closing mandala dissolution ceremony: Saturday, January 20th, 4:00 p.m.
In Folsom:
- Opening ceremony and Dharma talk: January 3rd, 6:00 p.m.
- Public viewing of the sand mandala: Daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Closing mandala dissolution ceremony: Saturday, January 6th, 4:00 p.m.
For the complete schedule, visit placervillefriendsoftibet.org.
Supporting Gaden Shartse Monastic College:
The event serves a noble cause by supporting Gaden Shartse Monastic College, nestled in the remote countryside of southern India. Established in 1969, the college is a beacon of Tibetan monastic education, hosting over 1600 residents engaged in Buddhist and Tibetan studies. The success of its academic program and the quality of its teachers have positioned Gaden Shartse as a leader in the field.
About Placerville Friends of Tibet:
Placerville Friends of Tibet, operating since 2003, is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to sharing Tibetan culture and Buddhism with the communities of El Dorado County, the Sierra Nevada Foothills, and the greater Sacramento region. Partnering with Arts & Culture El Dorado, this group plays a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Sponsors: This year’s tour is proudly sponsored by Dignity Health, The Karuna Center for Mindful Engagement (thekarunacenter.org), and Arts and Culture El Dorado (artsandcultureeldorado.org).
