January 08, 2020
Tibetan Monks at Florida CraftArt Eight Tibetan Monks bring universal lessons of peace and impermanence. In Florida CraftArt’s Exhibition Gallery, they will create a Sacred Sand Mandala for healing. Witness the step-by-step creation of a traditional Sand Mandala–an ancient art form of Tibetan Buddhism. Mandalas are drawings in sand of the world in its divine form and represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into the enlightened mind. Don’t miss this experience where the monks will chant, perform music and dances, as well as share Tibetan culture and traditions. The monks’ mission is to share the message of compassion, to create peaceful communities that work together toward World Peace; to provide a window into the ancient and precious Tibetan culture; and to raise funds to educate, feed, house, and provide healthcare for the 2000 Tibetan Buddhist Monks living in exile at Drepung Gomang Monastery in India.
SPONSORS OF THE SACRED ARTS TOUR Exhibition Sponsor:
Regions Bank Accommodations: Beacon 430, CrossFit 727, Unitarian Universalist of St. Petersburg Food: AARP, Bangkok Thai, Central Melt, Cider Press Café, Cops n Kids, Lonnie’s, Maple Street Biscuit, Peace4Tarpon, Renzo’s, Stacie’s Cottage Café, Tropez, and Liz and Simon.
SCHEDULE
Chanting at 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m.Free admission to the gallery. Donations are requested for the monks. Tibetan handcrafted art is for sale.
Tuesday, January 7 10:15 a.m.
Opening Ceremony 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Creation of Sacred Sand Mandala
Wednesday, January 8 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Creation of Sacred Sand Mandala 5:30-7 p.m.
A reception featuring Tibetan Culture, including the Lucky Dance and the Snow Lion Dance. Advance purchase here (FCA members $20; nonmember $30 Limited space*)
Thursday, January 9 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Creation of Sacred Sand Mandala Friday,
January 10 9 a.m.
AARP members-only breakfast with the monks 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Creation of Sacred Sand Mandala
Saturday, January 11 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Creation of Sacred Sand Mandala 10:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Rock Painting Workshop:
The monks will show you how to paint Tibetan symbols on rocks. Each participant can paint their own rock as a keepsake. Advance purchase here (FCA members $15; nonmember $25*) 5 p.m.
Second Saturday ArtWalk—Meet the Monks 6 p.m.
Healing minute of meditation around the world broadcast live.
Sunday, January 12 Noon: Finalization of Mandala 1 p.m.
Dissolution Ceremony: The mandala is swept up in a ceremony of gratitude and blessings. We invite the community to join the monks in a procession to the bay where they will pour sand from the mandala with a Buddhist blessing. After the ceremony, the mandala sand will be given out at Florida CraftArt.
Free to the public with reserved seating available online (FCA members $20; nonmember $30)