Tashi Lhunpo Monks – THE POWER OF COMPASSION

Tibetan Buddhist Monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery open a magical window on to a world of reincarnation and Buddhist mysticism which has inspired audiences in theatres and festivals throughout the world. From the contemplative, mesmerising chant of Buddhist texts to swirling costumed masked dances accompanied by ancient Tantric musical instruments including horns made from human leg bones, skull-drums, cymbals, bells and with the shattering sound of the dungchen (long horns), the Monks evoke the atmosphere of sacred Tibet: an experience of an ancient culture accessible to all, with introductory explanations offering additional insight into this endangered world.

“Extraordinary” BBC Radio 3 Music Planet
“**** Remarkable” British Theatre Guide

£14 General Admission | £12 Concessions | £10 Under 16’s *

* We are offering a free carer/companion ticket for any disabled or wheelchair-user audience members throughout our shows this season. Please note that it is helpful if this is booked in advance via the WeGotTickets website, so that we can ensure that there is adequate accessible seating reserved on the day/night of the event.

Wheelchair access, or entry for people with a disability is available from the side entrance, by the Phoenix Café.

Tickets for our Spring/Summer 2023 events can also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Shop, Findhorn. These will be available for purchase from mid-February.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SEATED ONLY EVENT

PLEASE NOTE that the monks will also be running workshops, as listed below on Friday 16th and Saturday 17^th June. These workshops are free of charge, and there’s no need to book. The activities will be running on a perpetual loop between the stated times.

Friday 16th June 11:00 – Opening ceremony of Sand Peace Mandala. Mandala continues till 16:00

14.30 to 16.00 – Workshops

Saturday 17th June – Mandala opens for viewing 11.00 and continues till 15:00

11.30 – 13:00 – Workshops

15:00 Ceremony of Mandala destruction

An Introduction to Tibet and Tibetan Monastic Culture

This interactive presentation includes a brief introduction to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the life of a monk, the musical instruments used in the Temple such as the Long Horns, Gyangling, and the various different sorts of cymbals and drums.  Each of the dance costumes has its own significance, and an explanation of the colours, the intricate designs and symbols is followed by a chance to learn some of the steps of one of the dances.  The unique Tibetan art of dialectical debate is explained, and there is an opportunity to learn some of the complex mudras from one of Tashi Lhunpo’s Tantric offering prayers. 

Sand Mandala Exhibition

The monks will construct a Sand Mandala, an intricate image representing a Buddha’s Palace made entirely out of coloured grains of sand, used in the Tantric tradition as an aid to meditation during an initiation.  Once complete, a process which can take between two and six days, and the final grain of sand has been placed into position, the mandala is blessed (representing a ceremony of empowerment), and then destroyed in a moving ceremony with grains of sand being poured into running water to spread its benefit universally.  Visitors at the closing will be offered small bags of sand to take away as a memento of this unique work of art.

Hands-on Workshops – Tibetan Monastic Art

Come and try elements of Tibetan monastic art:

• Butter Sculpture – how these decorative designs are prepared for the New Year rituals in the monastery.
• Sand Mandala Making – a chance to use the Chakpurs, the instruments used by the monks to create the intricate designs of the sand mandala out of grains of coloured sand.
• Tibetan script and language – working with one of the monks on the beautiful Tibetan script, and learning some basic language skills.  Have your name written in Tibetan!
• Prayer Flag printing – using a traditional hand-carved wood block, print your own prayer flag.  These contain mantras and prayers and are ubiquitous in the Tibetan community, flown to celebrate special occasions and the new year.
• Dukar wheel making – using coloured silk thread to enclose the mantra of Dukar, an important Protector Deity, found only in Tashi Lhunpo’s tradition.