Drepung Gomang Tour program

 

Drepung Gomang Tour 2011-12 is sponsored by Drepung Gomang Institute, a sister organization of Drepung Gomang Monastery located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a 501 (c) 3 is committed to preserving the Tibetan Culture, Traditions and Religion.  We bring the Tour to you to help the exiled Monastery raise funds to educate, feed, house and care for almost 2,000 exiled Tibetan Monks.

 

Programs are offered for a Suggested Donation - please contact the Travel Coordinator for Specific Details

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The authentic Tibetan programs that we offer are a blend of ancient cultural, religious, and artistic expressions.  You may choose to offer an educational program focusing on ancient historic beliefs, an artful performance or display that demonstrates colorful Tibetan traditions, and/or a truly inspirational combination of Tibetan art, history and sacred traditions that completely inspire the spirit. 

Please review the general overviews of each program.  We are flexible and will adapt our programs to fit your needs and desires.  We will bring them to individuals privately, as well as small and large audiences. 

We have suggested donations for our programs.  The funds raised are second to our mission to share the wisdom, compassion and good will sent to us from the Monastery in India as expressed through our 8 Tour Group Monks. 

 

I. Sand Mandala:   5 or 6 day construction

 

The Drepung Gomang monks are renowned for the Sacred Art of Sand Mandala Construction.   Medicine Buddha and Chenrezig (Compassion) Mandalas are available.  The event includes opening ceremonies, informal conversation and socializing as the mandala is created and formal closing ceremonies. Closing ceremonies include prayers, chanting, deconstruction of the mandala and sharing the blessed sand. 

 

 

II. Teachings  

 

The tour group is led by Geshe Nawang Tsondu. Geshe-la is available to give talks on the main tenets of Buddhist philosophy and is happy to answer your questions about the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His teachings will be given in Tibetan and translated into English by a translator.

Some of the teachings that can be arranged are: 

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 Introduction to Buddhism

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 Basic meditation practice

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 The Four Noble Truths

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 Karma

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 Impermanence

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 Elements of traditional Lamrim Practice

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 Elements of Lojong

III. Pujas  

Puja is a Sanskrit word that means “offering.” The monks chant prayers and perform rituals specific to the type of prayer being offered.  Prayers are addressed to Buddha’s, bodhisattvas and deities.  Their primary purpose is to overcome negativities that may be obstacles in obtaining release from suffering and to promote spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Prayers may be for a house blessing, wellness, for the souls of those who have left this world, (including animals), the clearing of karma, purification of local negative energy, world peace, individual or global healing, financial security, spiritual evolution, the development of wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.

The prayers are recited in the traditional overtone chanting, each monk singing a full chord of three notes. The prayers are often accompanied by delicate hand gestures, cymbals, drums, horns and flutes.

Sample Pujas:  

World Peace and Healing              Removal of Negativities and Obstacles

Purification                                       Tara and Guru Puja

House or Business Blessing         Tea or Fire Puja

 

IV. Thangka Painting, Mani Stones, Butter Sculpture, Sand Painting, and Children's Coloring Book Workshops

Please visit our website:  www.gomang.org/workshops.html for pictures and details

Our Monks are Artists.  They will facilitate hands-on workshops for all ages. Work one on one with monks to learn how to create art in the rare Buddhist tradition.

They offer Thangka Painting, Mani Stone Painting, Butter Sculpting, Sand Painting Instruction and Children’s Coloring Book Workshops.  The Instructions include a half hour talk about the art, a demonstration and then one on one lessons. 

 

 

VI. Slide Show History & Overview

Our Monks will present a slide show of the history of Gomang, using old black and white photos from beginnings in Lhasa, to the first arrival of the monks to Bhagsa in 1959, to the settlement here in the early days, to current  photos.

These photos have only been viewed within the monastery or in the company of Gomang Monks. The show is accompanied by a running commentary, including personal histories of some of the oldest living monks from Tibet.

V.  Drepung Gomang  Cultural Presentation  


 

Experience Ancient Tibetan Cultural Rituals of Dance, Chanting, Prayers and Debate

Authentic Tibetan Traditions come to life as follows.  

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