Tibetan Monks Bring Sacred Arts Tour to Georgian Court
Weeklong Visit to Include Lectures, Workshops, and Dances
Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 14, 2011—Learn about the culture and practices of the monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery during their Sacred Arts Tour 2011 stop at Georgian Court University’s Lakewood campus from September 26 through 30. In addition to educational opportunities with the learned monks, or Geshes, cultural presentations and a demonstration of the Sand Mandala will be featured. Guests will be able to participate in hands-on creations. Most events are free and open to the public.
The Drepung Gomang Monastery was founded in 1416 near Llasa, Tibet. Approximately 100 monks out of 10,000 were able to escape with the Dalai Lama when the army of the People’s Republic of China invaded Tibet. This Sacred Arts Tour promotes the culture preserved in India by these brave monks and endeavors to promote understanding between the West and their culture.
The complete schedule of events is below and can also be found at www.georgian.edu/special_events/sacred-arts.htm. Reservations are required for all events; however, the Sand Mandala will be available for public viewing throughout the week in the Casino. For more information or to sign up for an event, contact the Office of Conferences and Special Events at 732.987.2263 or specialevents@georgian.edu.
Schedule of Events
Monday, September 26
9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony Peace Pole
10:00 a.m. Start of the Sand Mandala w/Good Luck Dance Casino
11:30 a.m. Welcome Lunch (open to GCU community only) North Dining Room
5:30–6:30 p.m. Repeat Opening/Good Luck Dance and see Mandala Casino Auditorium
7:00 p.m. History Lecture Little Theatre
Tuesday, September 27
11:30 a.m. Brown Bag Lunch—“Meet the Monks” Ruggiero Room
1:30–4:00 p.m. Hands-on Workshops (Arts & Culture “stations”):
instruments, mani stones, mandala board, butter sculpture Casino
6:00 p.m. Tea Puja Ballroom
Wednesday, September 28
9:30 a.m. Basic Meditation Practice Workshop Little Theatre
11:30 a.m. Lunch—“Meet the Monks” (open to GCU community only) North Dining Room
2:00 p.m. Basic Meditation Practice Workshop Little Theatre
6:00 p.m. Panda Dance The Mansion
6:30 p.m. Dinner/Lecture/Tea Puja*
(Cost: $37 per person; reservations required) The Mansion
Thursday, September 29
9:30 a.m. Karma Lecture Little Theatre
11:30 a.m. Brown Bag Lunch—“Meet the Monks” North Dining Room
12:30 p.m. Impermanence Lecture Little Theatre
6:30 p.m. Snow Lion Dance Little Theatre
7:00 p.m. Monks Debate Little Theatre
Friday, September 30
9:30–11:30 a.m. Closing Ceremony and return of Sand Mandala Casino
Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is a comprehensive university with a strong liberal arts core and a special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court serves nearly 3,000 students of all faiths and backgrounds in a residential Women's College and a coeducational University College with undergraduate and graduate programs. Georgian Court's main campus is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, now named a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also offers classes at its site at One Woodbridge Center in Woodbridge, at Coastal Communiversity in Wall, and at Cumberland County College in Vineland.
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