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Tibetan monks return to Vail Valley

Daily Staff Report

VAIL – Tibetan monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery in southern India return to the Vail Valley Thursday through Monday. They arrive Wednesday.This purpose of the monastic tour to the United States is to introduce the teaching of Sutra and Tantric Buddhism to the world and also to promote the welfare of the monastery. The Thubten Dhargye Ling has sponsored the monks’ trip.The monks will offer private healings and astrology readings to the public, as well as home and business blessings by appointment. There will also be a butter sculpture workshop for children and adults at the Eagle-Vail Pavilion on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Butter sculpting has been practiced in Tibet for 800 years. Sculptures over 4 meters high are made for contests held at the major monasteries during the Great Prayer Festivals. The butter is colored and shaped into many auspicious symbols.On Saturday afternoon a Yak Dance, Chant and Discussion will take place at 3 p.m. A special public talk titled “Compassion and Patience” with Chuni Jinpa Rinpoche will be held that evening at 7 p.m. All events are open to the public by donation. Proceeds support the day to day life of the monks at Gaden Shartse Monastery.Contact Ben Gaylord at 390-9299 for more information and for a complete schedule.Private healing ceremonyBrenda Lee Massage Therapy Plus Studio will host the monks as they conduct a private healing and empowerment ceremony. Sessions are 30 minutes long and by appointment only.The private healing and empowerment ceremony is for removing negative energy and illnesses generated by negative energy, including physical or mental illness. It is also effective in developing clarity of mind and lightness of body. This empowerment is also good for people who may not have ailments, but are on a spiritual path, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs.A Tibetan Lama and a monk conduct the healing and empowerment ceremony. During the healing ceremony, one receives a mantra visualization, a protection cord and a card of the visualization image. People should bring the following with them:– A bottle of pure drinking water– One small jar of skin cream or moisturizing cream– Any prescription drugs you may be taking– A kata scarf (thin white silk or cotton scarf is optional) which is offered to the Lama for his blessingCall Ben Gaylord at 390-9299 to schedule an appointment and for more information and directions. The sessions are held in a private room at Brenda Lee’s Massage Therapy Plus in Edwards.An introduction to Tibetan astrologyTibetan astrology is traced back to Indian Jyotishvidya, to Chinese Astrology and later blended with Buddhist Ideology. It is one of the major parts of the daily life of the Tibetan people.There are two parts to Tibetan Astrology. One is astrology of the stars (skar-rtsie), first taught by the Lord Buddha at Amravati when he taught the famous Kalacharka Tantra in South India and simultaneously while he taught the Prajnaparamita Sutra at vulture peak in North India. The practice of astrology spread over India and later in the 11th century to Tibet.The second part, Black Astrology (hbyung-rtsie), was taught first by Lord Manjushri, in the mountains of China and later brought to Tibet. The benefit and effect of Tibetan astrological science on human society is immense. There are more than 80 different types of astrological calculations in black of elemental astrology. Some of the more practiced and used calculations are the calculation of rebirth and the calculation of obstruction. Calculation of rebirth reveals what was one’s previous birth, what type of being he/she is supposed to be in their next birth, and one’s lifelong chances of collecting wealth, and being healthy and happy.Calculation of obstruction reveals one’s chances of being healthy and happy, possible obstructions for the period of one year, and how to remove obstructions.In general, Tibetan astrology covers a vast field of calculations ranging from day to day personal activities to life long endeavors. Tibetan astrology remains an important part of Tibetan culture for more than 1,000 years.Vail Colorado


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