Nov 4 - Dec 9

Spiritual Wisdom in Photography:  "Tibetans Persevere in Exile". 

Exhibit Opening and Talk by photographer Eleanor Hand, who shares her experiences visiting Tibetan monks and refugees at Drepung Loseling Monastery in exile in India.  [LINK - details]

  Opening and Talk:  November 4, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

  Exhibit: Nov 5 through Nov 24, viewing times vary

  Exhibit: Nov 25 through Dec 9, 12:00 noon through 7:00pm 

Fifteen Fabulous Days  

 November 25

Opening Ceremony for the Manjushri Mandala of Spritual Wisdom, featuring the "Black Hat Dance" with costumes, chants and music.  The Monks perform the sacred ceremony, and will draw lines to begin the creation of the Manjushri Mandala of Spiritual Wisdom, a sacred sand art using millions of grains of colored sand.  [LINK - details] 

  2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Nov 26 - Dec 8

Throughout this period, the Monks will be constructing the Manjushri Mandala of Spiritual Wisdom, and will participate in educational and performance events.   [LINK - construction details

Visitors can view construction of the mandala, daily 12:00 noon - 7:00 pm. Access to the mandala area will be restricted during services and special events described in this calendar. 

Tibetan wares will be available for sale at the on-site shop.

School Group Educational Programs  (no charge)

  Monday - Friday  12:00-1:30pm  [LINK - School Group details]

Group Visit Programs  (no charge)  [LINK - Group Visits]

  Monday-Friday and Saturday 12/8  -  2-3:30pm, 4-5:30pm; 5:30-7pm.

November 28

Spritual Wisdom in Monastic Life:

Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in India, and Catholic Trappist Monks from the Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers share their traditions.  [LINK - Details]

  4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Spritual Wisdom of Nuns:

Buddhist and Catholic Nuns compare and contrast their worlds founded on centuries-old traditions, yet living in the 21st century.  [LINK - Details] 

  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

December 1

Family Event:

A family event that includes viewing the Mandala construction, music with ancient instruments, unique Tibetan chanting, costumed dance, and meeting the individual Monks.  [LINK - Details]

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm;    $5 person, $15 family.      

Tickets Available at Door

December 2

Ticket Event

Spritual Wisdom  in Chant:  Four Faiths, One Stage.

Hear the history behind the chant traditions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.  Learn chants from each.  Listen to a Gregorian Chant choir, biblical chants by a Cantor, readings from the Koran, and the unique Tibetan multiphonic chanting.  [LINK - Details]

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm; $10 person, $5 students and seniors. 

Tickets Available at Door

December 5

Spiritual Wisdom  in the Buddhist Mandala and the Christian Labyrinth:

Learn how geometric shapes and a multitude of ancient spiritual symbols bring meaning to the Buddhist Mandala.  Hear the ancient history of labyrinths and their symbolism in Christianity.  Come early and walk the candle lit Chartres Cathedral labyrinth.  [LINK - Details]

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. 

December 7

Ticket Event - Order

Sacred Music Sacred Dance Performance:

The famed multiphonic singers of Tibet's Drepung Loseling Monastery perform in magnificent costumes and play ancient musical instruments.  Gain Spiritual Wisdom through this experience that brings environmental, social, and personal healing to the world.  The performance is co-produced by Ricard Gere Productions, and is endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.    [LINK - Details]

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm: $15 person, $10 students and seniors Tickets may be purchased at Unity North Atlanta Church 

Closing Ceremony and Mandala Dispersal Ceremony:

The Monks complete the intricate Manjushri Mandala of Spritual Wisdom, with a brief closing ceremony.  [LINK - Details]

  2:00 pm - 2:30pm

They then dismantle this spiritual artwork as a symbol of nonattachment & the impermanence of all that exists.  Half the sand is distributed to the audience as a blessing for personal health & healing.  The remaining sand is taken by the monks, accompanied by the audience, to a flowing body of water for the Dispersal. The remaining sand is ceremonially poured into the water, thus dispersing the healing energies of the Manjushri Spiritual Wisdom Mandala throughout the world.  [LINK - Details]

  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm