As part of the Sacred Arts Tour, Saint Josephs College will welcome Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery to campus August 23-27. The College will host several events during the monks’ visit, including a blessing of the mandala, a cultural pageant, and a prayer for peace.
On August 25, there will be a chant and prayer for peace at 6:30 pm, and on the 26th there will be a meditation and chant, which will also be held at 6:30 pm. Then, on the 27th, shortly before their departure, the monks will join the SJC student body for dinner in the Halleck Student Center cafeteria at 6:00 pm.
The monks will also be constructing a World Peace Mandala, and on Thursday, August 27, when the mandala is complete, there will be a public viewing from 1-3 pm with a closing ceremony and dissolution at 3:00 pm. The term “Mandala” is a Sanskrit word that means “world in harmony.” The World Peace Mandala is built by placing individual grains of sand, while reflecting on world peace and the virtues that can allow individuals to live more fulfilling and compassionate lives. After a closing ceremony, the Mandala will be swept up, representing the brevity of life and bringing about social healing.
