Kniola is a little surprised that the monks, who are making appearances across the United States, decided to make Lafayette one of their stops.

But this is actually the third time the monks have visited, according to Dave Raymer, a partner in the Lafayette Renaissance Academy.

"I believe it's good to have intercultural relationships," he said about why he continues to request the monks to visit every year.

Eight Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in southern India are touring the United States, Canada and Mexico sharing their Buddhist beliefs and culture, while raising money for the monastery's food and medical fund.