UU Princeton is proud to host a group of Buddhist monks of Gaden Shartse from August 20 to 25 for events including the construction of a sand mandala and Dharma talks on Buddhist teachings. The four monks are part of the Gaden Shartse Monastic College and are touring the U.S. to share their meditation practices and “paths to inner peace and compassion”. 

All proceeds for this event will be given to the Gaden Shartse Cultural Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, for the purpose of constructing a new dormitory for their monastery. The monastery was founded in Tibet in 1409 by the famous Buddhist scholar Je Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa and reestablished in 1970 in Mundgod, India, after China invaded Tibet. 

Events take place in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton (see dates and times below). Contact UUCPZen@gmail.com with questions.

List of events open to the public and UU Princeton members: 

• Aug. 21, (Wed.) 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Mandala opening ceremony ($15 ticketed event with limited walk-in space $15 suggested donation), Channing Hall
• Aug. 21,  (Wed.) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mandala construction (free will donation), Channing Hall
• Aug. 22, (Thu.) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mandala  construction (free will donation), Channing Hall
• Aug. 23, (Fri.) 3 p.m to 5:30 pm., Mandala Viewing (free will donation), Channing Hall
• Aug. 23, (Fri.) 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dharma Talk: “Meditations on Peace and Compassion,” ($10 suggested walk-in donation), Channing Hall
• Aug. 24, (Sat.) 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Mandala closing ceremony ($15 ticketed event with limited walk-in space $15 suggested donation), Channing Hall
• Aug. 24, (Sat.) 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dharma Talk: “World Peace & the Unity of All Religions,” ($10 suggested walk-in donation), Channing Hall

List of additional events for the UU Princeton community: 

• Aug. 20, (Tue.) 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Welcome Potluck Dinner, Channing Hall (UU Princeton members and invitation only)
• Aug. 25, (Sun.) 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Butter sculpture workshop for UU Princeton kids (Founders Room, during service)
• Aug. 25, (Sun.) 10:30 a.m.,  Short talk during UU Princeton worship service (tentative)
• Aug. 25, (Sun.) 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Blessings during Zen practice period, (tentative) Fahs Theater

Event Details:

8/21 10-11am: Buddhist Monks Visit Princeton: Sand Mandala Opening Ceremony

The Monks of Gaden Shartse will begin construction of a sand mandala in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. The opening ceremony uses multiphonic chanting and traditional Tibetan instruments to create a space karmically appropriate for building the mandala. 

8/21 11am-5pm & 8/22 10am-4pm: Buddhist Monks Visit Princeton: Sand Mandala Construction

The Monks of Gaden Shartse will construct a sand mandala in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. This multi-day process is open for public viewing, with a freewill donation at the door.

8/23 3pm-5:30pm: Buddhist Monks Visit Princeton: Sand Mandala Viewing

A sand mandala constructed by the Monks of Gaden Shartse will be on display in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. Free Will donations accepted at the door. 

8/23 6pm-7pm: Buddhist Monks Visit Princeton: Dharma Talk

A talk titled “Meditations on Peace and Compassion” will be given by one of the touring geshes, followed by a short Q&A session in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. $10 suggested donation at the door. 

8/24 12pm-1pm: Buddhist Monks Visit Princeton: Mandala Closing Ceremony

After completing the 2-day construction of a sand mandala, the monks will purposely dissolve the magnificent work of art. In upholding the principle that life is transient, the monks sweep up the mandala and place the sand in a river, lake, or ocean, as an offering to purify the surrounding environment. Takes place in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton.

8/24 1:30pm-2:30pm: Buddhist Monks Visit Princeton: Dharma Talk

A talk titled “World Peace and the Unity of All Religions” will be given by one of the touring geshes, followed by a short Q&A session in UU Princeton’s Channing Hall at 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton.

$10 suggested donation at the door. 

More About the Mandala:

The monks will be creating a Fire Puja Mandala. Colors in this mandala represent the cardinal directions (North South East and West) and  the Four Elements ( Air, Earth, Water)- fire in particular, contained by a stove or oven. All of these are then topped by a Lotus Mat. This Lotus Mat invites the Fire Buddha into the space, represented by a vajra in the center. The vajra helps purify negative energy, and guides followers in gaining health and long life.  Building the Fire Puja Mandala creates the same benefits as a Fire Puja ritual, invoking blessings and removing obstacles with the guidance of the Fire Buddha.  Traditionally, when complete, incense and other gifts are offered.

Volunteers

We will need lots of volunteers to make this event a success! Sign up on our Sign Up Genius if you are able to contribute food for lunch or dinner, or help with ushering, ticketing and tabling during this visit.

Spread the word! Click here for a printable event flier to pass to friends and hang locally.