Clarion University’s Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series, “In God We Trust?” will host
“The Mystical Arts of Tibet” April 7-13. Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery
will bring their culture and customs to campus during programs and events throughout
the week. All events are free, except lunches, and all are open to the public.
April 7
Opening ceremonies are from noon to 1 p.m. in the art gallery, Carlson Library, level A. The monks will bless the site of the mandala sand painting in preparation for their work on the piece. Sand painting is a unique art that involves painstaking arrangement of millions of grains of colored sand. The process takes days to complete. A community mandala will also be available for participants.
April 7-13
- Tibetan-themed lunches, Eagle Commons, $7
- Mandala Sand Painting, Carlson Library, level A: Noon to 8 p.m. April 7; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 8, 9, 11 and 12; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 10; 10 a.m. to noon April 13.
- “Magical Land of Spiritual Wonders” photo exhibit, art gallery, Carlson Library, level A: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 7-12; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13.
April 8
Lecture: “A Buddhist Approach to Working with the Emotions,” 7 p.m., Marwick-Boyd auditorium
April 9
Lecture: “Psychology of Enlightenment,” 7 p.m., Marwick-Boyd auditorium
April 10
“Sacred Music, Sacred Dance” performance, 8-10 p.m., Marwick-Boyd auditorium
April 11
Lecture: “Symbolism of the Sand Mandala,” 3 p.m., Gemmell multi-purpose room
April 12
Workshop: “Cognitively Based Compassion Meditation” by Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, 4 to 7 p.m. April 12, Gemmell multi-purpose room
April 13
Closing ceremony, 2 to 3 p.m. April 13, Carlson Library, level A: As a metaphor for the impermanence of life, the monks will deconstruct the mandala on the final day of their visit. Half of the sand will be distributed to audience members, and the other half will be taken to a nearby body of water to promote healing of the earth.
The Mary L. Seifert Cultural Series Endowment of the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. was established to provide the Clarion University community with the cultural experiences that inspire learning through thoughtful discussions.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.