The Monks Return!


 
 

The Tibetan Buddhist monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery return to the Jepson Center for the first time in more than four years to create an exquisite sand mandala painting as part of a weeklong residency. Programs related to the monks’ residency include a variety of activities for all ages and attract thousands of interested onlookers and participants.

The residency begins September 23 with an opening ceremony of chants, after which they draw the mandala. Visitors may watch the monks at work in the museum atrium during normal daytime museum hours September 24-28, other than lunchtime. The museum is offering an evening lecture by the monks and two community sand painting activities for children. At the closing ceremony on September 29, the monks destroy the mandala and distribute some of the sand to the audience. They invite the audience to proceed with them to the Savannah River, where they release the remaining sand into the river to disperse the mandala’s healing energies throughout the world.

Telfair Museums does not permit professional photography of the sand mandala and programs. For the closing ceremony, Telfair will provide overflow seating with live video in the Jepson Center auditorium. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

All events are free and open to the public thanks to funding provided by the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs.


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