Buddhist monks' tour stops in Toledo

By DAVID YONKE, TOLEDO BLADE, August 7, 2010

Toledo, OH (USA) -- People interested in learning about Tibetan Buddhism can get a firsthand look at the ancient Eastern religion next week through lectures, workshops, and a "Brunch with the Monks" being offered in the Toledo area.

Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery in southern India are continuing their U.S. tour that started in 1989, seeking to "spread peace, compassion, and tolerance through cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and Buddhist teachings."

The Toledo area visit of the Sacred Earth and Healing Arts Tour will include a four-session workshop on Chenrezig Meditation, an interfaith gathering on "World Peace and the Unity of All Religions," one monk's personal account of his spiritual journey, an informal brunch, and demonstrations of music and arts.

The monks, who last visited Toledo in 2008, also will perform personal healings and house and business blessings.

The Gaden Shartse Monastery was founded in Lhasa, Tibet, in the early 1400s but was destroyed in the 1950s when China took over Tibet. Many Tibetans fled to India, where the Gaden Shartse monks built a monastery in 1969.

In addition to promoting peace and tolerance, the monks hope to raise funds for the monastery's educational expenses. Although some events have suggested donations, the monks said that no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Here are some of the monks' upcoming events in the Toledo area:

Chenrezig Empowerment, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Toledo Zen Center, 6537 Angola Rd., Holland. $15 donation.
"World Peace and the Unity of All Religions," multifaith event with music, dance, poetry, and scripture readings, 7 p.m. Thursday, Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St. Dessert buffet follows.
"Fun Friday with the Monks," 6-9 p.m., Integration Yoga Studio, 4633 West Bancroft St.
"Brunch with the Monks," 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 14, The Happy Badger, 331 North Main St., Bowling Green. Food may be purchased a la carte; no reservations necessary.
Journey to the Top of the World, a performing arts show highlighting Tibetan music, dance, and chanting, 7 p.m. Aug. 14, Maumee Valley Country Day School's Millennium Theatre, 1715 South Reynolds Rd. Suggested donation $15.
"The Inside Job: Journey of a Tibetan Buddhist Monk," free public talk, by Jangchub Chophel on his journey to becoming a monk, 10 a.m. Aug. 15, First Unitarian Church, 3205 Glendale Ave.

To schedule a personal, house, or business blessing, contact Paula Massey at 419-360-4750.

More information is available online at gadenshartsecf.org.

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Buddhist monks' tour stops in Toledo

By DAVID YONKE, TOLEDO BLADE, August 7, 2010