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08/05/04 5th Annual Chicago TIBETfest on Saturday, August 14...
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"A Little Bit of Tibet" Features Food, Cultural Programs, Sacred Arts
TIBETcenter and the Unity in Chicago are hosting the Fifth Annual Chicago TIBETfest, a celebration of Tibetan culture and sacred arts, on Saturday August 14 from 1:00 to 8:00 PM at Unity in Chicago, 1925 West Thome, Chicago (1 block west of Ridge and 1 block south of Devon). Among the many highlights of the festival is the viewing the creation of the Metrupa sand mandala. The Metrupa mandala is specifically recommended when mass deaths have occurred. The deity Metrupa is said to purify negative actions and bring about positive energy. Soon after the September 11 national tragedy, the Smithsonian Institution requested His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a healing art, and He chose the Metrupa sand Mandala.
TIBETfest also offers lectures on Tibetan Buddhism and meditation, sacred chants by Tibetan monks, cultural performances, documentary films, TIBETshare (Lectures/Exhibitions by friends who visited Tibet and/or Tibetan Refugee Projects in India and Nepal), Tibetan food, vendors selling Tibetan handcrafts, silent auction, raffle prizes, and musical performances by supporters of the TIBETcenter, including the Chicago Didjeridu Chorus.
The sand Mandala is being created by Venerable Nawang Chojor, who is a senior monk from Namgyal Monastery (the Personal Monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama).
The sacred art of sand mandala has been handed down for the past 2500 years. The elaborate designs of the mandala painting are created using colored sand; each mandala represents the dwelling place of a particular Tibetan deity. The mandala includes various images that represent particular qualities or energies; as the mandala is constructed, the monks use the mandala as a focal point for attaining spiritual realization of those energies. After the mandala is created, it is dismantled and swept away in a ceremony that serves to release the mandala's positive energies/qualities into the world.
Sonam Dhargyal, a master in the art of Butter Sculpture, will demonstrate the art of making Butter Sculpture. This ancient sacred art, orginated in and disappeared from India, is well preserved by the Tibetan monks and nuns. In the past, TIBETcenter organized programs in this field at the Art Institute, Northern Indiana Arts Center, and Walsh Gallery in Chicago.
Admission to TIBETfest is by donation: $7.00 ($5.00 for seniors, students, and ordained Sangha members). Free for the members of the TIBETcenter, Tibetan Refugees, and children under 12 years old).
NEW MEMBERS IN SUPPORTER LEVEL
If you are not yet a member of the TIBETcenter, please consider becoming a member in the Supporter Level by donating $50.00 at the door. For one year, you will receive 15% discounts on all products and services. As an incentive to become a new member, you may choose any three from the following 10 items:
(1) Free entry to the TIBETfest for two persons $14.00
(2) T-shirts with inspirational words from Thich Nhat Hanh $11.95
(3) TIBETcenter T-shirts $11.95
(4) When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron $12.95
(5) Music in the Sky: The Life, Art & Teachings of the 17th Karmapa by Michelle Martin $18.95
(6) The Heart of Compassion: A Practical Approach to a Meaningful Life by H.H. the Dalai Lama $12.95
(7) Karma & Happiness: A Tibetan Odyssey in Ethics, Spirituality, and Healing by Miriam Cameron $16.95
(8) The Heart of Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh $13.95
(9) The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language by Steven Pinker $15.00
(10) World's in Harmony: Dialogues on Compassionate Action ny H.H. the Dalai Lama and others $14.00
For further information on TIBETfest:
Call: TseringTashi Phuri, president of TIBETcenter
Chicago 773-743-7772 (8:30 to 11:00 AM)
Evanston 847-492-0809 (1:00 to 6:00 PM)
773-671-7775 (Hand Phone)
Email: tibetcenter@aol.com
Visit the website at www.tibetgift.com
"I very much laud the objectives of the Chicago TIBETcenter to promote the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan culture. I believe that the success of the center will depend much on the cooperation and support of our American friends that I hope will be forthcoming. I have no doubt that if smoothly run the center will go a long way in benefiting both the Tibetans and Americans."
His Holiness the Dalai Lama (December 31, 1998)
The art and cultural programs of the TIBETcenter are partially funded by the City of Chicago Department of Culture, Illinois Arts Council, TIBETgift, and the Chicago Community Trust (Donor Advised). An effective way to support the TIBETcenter financially and to create awareness for our ancient art and culture is to shop at TIBETgift, 827 Foster Street in Evanston (Open Mon-Sat 1:00 to 6:00 PM). |
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