Tibetan monks to visit Findlay

FINDLAY — Tibetan monks will stop in Northwest Ohio next week as a part of their national tour of the United States. Four monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery will visit Findlay, Bluffton and Carey to share Tibetan culture and heritage, Buddhist chants, rituals for healing and practices for inner peace and compassion. The tour also serves as a fundraising initiative to construct a dormitory, also called a "khangtsen," at the monastery. The Gaden Shartse Monastery was founded in Tibet in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, creator of the Gelug school of thought in Tibetan Buddhism. Gaden is one of the three "Seats of Learning" Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The monastery was rebuilt in India after China's invasion of Tibet. The monastery is known for its study and practice of Buddhist Sutra and Tantra. Phukhang Khangtsen, one of 11 dormitories in the Gaden Shartse Monastery, currently has 120 rooms for its 450 monks, requiring many monks to share limited space and facilities. The tour aims to raise awareness and funds to support the monks and ensure they have the necessary accommodations to continue their spiritual life. Funds raised during the tour will support building 60 new rooms to improve living conditions for the monks. Below is a schedule of events for the tour: Sept. 3 at 11:00 a.m. – An introduction to the Gaden Shartse Monastery and traditions, a healing chant demonstration as well as a Q&A session with the monks. This event will take place at the Bluffton University Forum, located at Riley Court, 1 University Dr., Bluffton. This event is open to the public. Sept. 3 from 2-4 p.m. – Watch the monks create a small sand painting and perform a blessing for the Bluffton University's Lion & Lamb Peace Arts Center, located at Riley Court, 1 University Dr., Bluffton. This event is open to the public. A Tibetan sand painting is a traditional art form that involves arranging colored grain of and, by hand, into intricate designs. Sand paintings can depict various symbolic images, including deities, sacred symbols, or scenes from Buddhist teachings. Sept. 3 from 6-9 p.m. – Join the monks at Greenhorn Restaurant for a plant-based Himalayan meal, healing chant and traditional debate demonstration, as well as a Q&A session. Tickets are $40. Limited space is available, tickets must be purchased by calling the restaurant at 567-226-4568. Tickets at the door if available. Sept. 6 at 7:00 p.m. – "Mindfulness Walk" with the monks at Riverbend Park, located at 16618 Township Rd. 208, Findlay. This event is open to the public. Sept. 7 from 9 am. to noon – Individual healing sessions at Hot Yoga Findlay, located at 330 S. Main St., Findlay. Registration is required. Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – A small sand painting demonstration and an exhibit of Carole Elchert's photographs of Tibet at the Findlay Art League, located at 117 W. Crawford St., Findlay. This event is open to the public with donations accepted. Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. – "World Peace and Unity of Religions" lecture at Carey Link, 200 E. Findlay St., Carey. This event is open to the public with donations accepted. Sept. 9 from 5-8 p.m. – "Magic and Monks" with magician Nathaniel Hill, as well as a Q&A session with the monks at Findlay Brewing Company, located at 213 E. Crawford St., Findlay. Tibetan food available for purchase from Johnny Burritos. This event is open to the public with donations accepted. Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. – Join the monks at the Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center for soul food catered by Black Deacon Barbeque and a Q&A session. Registration is required; online purchase preferred. Tickets include a meal catered by Black Deacon Barbecue at $15 each. Tickets at the door if available. The Black Heritage Library is located at 817 Harmon St., Findlay, Ohio. Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. – House of Business blessings; online registration required. Visit redtornadocollective.com/monks for more information about the tour and to register for events