September 1 – Observe the creation of a sand mandala in process. A team of monks continue ancient ritual by building an intricate sacred sand painting (Mandala). Using metal tubes filled with colored, ground gemstones, highly trained monks create a detailed, two-dimensional, sand painting. One day only – 9am to 5pm. Free to the public, donations accepted. Red Tornado Art Gallery, 111. E. Crawford St. Findlay, Ohio

September 2 at 9:30am – Sacred Chants of Tibet Performance. Ancient Tibetan multiphonic chanting is a rare and unique experience created by monks singing a chord containing two or three tones simultaneously. The deep, resonate, vibrant chords fill the room and transform both the environment and the audience with their powerful energy. Ohio Owens Community College, 3200 Bright Rd. Findlay, Ohio

September 3 at 12 noon – The Inside Story: Images of Tibetan Monastic Life. Join us for a rare peek inside the world of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monks will give a video slideshow capturing the essence of their sacred lifestyle as well as behind the scenes images. The presentation includes narration and a question and answer period. The audience will have an opportunity to engage the monks and learn more about their ancient way of life. Chislom Auditorium, Franks Hall, Tiffin University. For more information contact Joe Moore – joe_moore@tiffin.k12.oh.us or 419-447-3358

September 4 – Personal Healing Sessions. Vajravidaran Ritual. Vajravidaran is a specialized cleansing deity of esoteric Buddhism. It is very powerful in cleaning body, speech and mind of living beings from all the possible spiritual and material contaminants. Vajravidaran is a Buddha associated with purification and health. Health is a result of our karmic imprints. This ritual offers an opportunity to improve your health by purifying negative karma. The ritual has three stages: the removal of negativities, the cleansing of subtle negative imprints, and protection from their return. With the power of Mantra, Mudra and Samadhi the supreme power of Vajravidaran is activated and directed to benefit the subject. Benefit of the ritual will be felt mentally, physically and emotionally. The ritual contributes greatly to the harnessing positive energy, and increase mental and physical faculties. Open Circle Yoga, 200 W. Lima St. Findlay, Ohio. Call 419-427-9642 to schedule.

September 7th through the 9th –  Metta (Loving Kindness) Meditation Workshop with Venerable Jangchub Chophel. Metta (Loving Kindness) meditation is one of the most popular vipassana techniques. This insight meditation is used to bring peace and tranquility into one’s own heart and sending loving kindness, along with compassion to others. Metta practice endows the four universal wishes (to live happily and to be free from hostility, affliction, and distress), with a very personal inner love, and by so doing, it has the power for personal transformation.  This is a three session workshop, 6am to 7am. $50 suggested donation. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2415B North Main Street Findlay, Ohio. Call Karla at 419-424-8831 to register.

September 7th at 7pm – Sacred Chants and Music Presentation. A Journey to the Roof of the World: Sacred Dance and Chants of Tibet. Come join us for an evening of sacred sounds from the roof of the world. Long hidden behind the Himalayan mountain ranges, the ancient Tibetan culture remained virtually untouched by the outside world for thousands of years. This incredible performance, filled with elaborate costumes, rich sounds, and movement, will transport you into the heart of their sacred land. Ohio Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge St. Bluffton, Ohio.

September 8th at 11am – Multiphonic Chant workshop and presentation. Ancient Tibetan multiphonic chanting is a rare and unique experience created by monks singing a chord containing two or three tones simultaneously. The special sound they create is not a simply a song, it is a sacred offering – an offering to the Buddhist deities for the benefit of all sentient beings. The deep, resonate, vibrant chords, representing the essence of the secret tantric teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, fill the room and transform both the environment and the audience with their powerful energy. Chislom Auditorium, Franks Hall, Tiffin University. For more information contact Joe Moore – joe_moore@tiffin.k12.oh.us or 419-447-3358

September 8th at 7pm – The Buddha’s First Teaching; The Four Noble Truths. Rickly Chapel, University Hall, Heidelberg University, Tiffin. For more information contact Joe Moore – joe_moore@tiffin.k12.oh.us or 419-447-3358

September 9th, 10am to 3pm – Sand Mandala Creation Demonstration. A team of monks continue ancient ritual by building an intricate sacred sand painting (Mandala). Using metal tubes filled with colored, ground gemstones, highly trained monks create a detailed, two-dimensional, sand painting.  Campus Center Lobby, Heidelberg University. For more information contact Joe Moore – joe_moore@tiffin.k12.oh.us or 419-447-3358

September 9th at 2pm – Talk on Compassion and Caregiving by Venerable Jangchub Chophel. Community Hospice Care of Tiffin. 181 East Perry St., Tiffin. For more information contact Joe Moore – joe_moore@tiffin.k12.oh.us or 419-447-3358

September 10th at 7pm – A Journey to the Roof of the World: Sacred Dance and Chants of Tibet. Come join us for an evening of sacred sounds from the roof of the world. Long hidden behind the Himalayan mountain ranges, the ancient Tibetan culture remained virtually untouched by the outside world for thousands of years. This incredible performance, filled with elaborate costumes, rich sounds, and movement, will transport you into the heart of their sacred land. Ritz Theater, 30 S. Washington St. Tiffin, Ohio

September 11th – Personal Healing Sessions. Vajravidaran Ritual. Vajravidaran is a specialized cleansing deity of esoteric Buddhism. It is very powerful in cleaning body, speech and mind of living beings from all the possible spiritual and material contaminants. Vajravidaran is a Buddha associated with purification and health. Health is a result of our karmic imprints. This ritual offers an opportunity to improve your health by purifying negative karma. The ritual has three stages: the removal of negativities, the cleansing of subtle negative imprints, and protection from their return. With the power of Mantra, Mudra and Samadhi the supreme power of Vajravidaran is activated and directed to benefit the subject. Benefit of the ritual will be felt mentally, physically and emotionally. The ritual contributes greatly to the harnessing positive energy, and increase mental and physical faculties. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2415B North Main Street Findlay, Ohio. Call Karla at 419-424-8831 to register

September 11th at 7pm – Ecumenical Discussion. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2415B North Main Street Findlay, Ohio.  For more details, call 419-424-8831.

For more information on any of the events or to schedule a personal healing or house/business blessing email Tamera at trooney@jonesbuildingartists.org

Buddhist center holds empowerment ritual

By Linda Golz
Beacon Journal staff writer

Published on Saturday, Aug 28, 2010

Geshe Kunchok Tenzin of the Gaden Shartse Monks of Tibet conducts a Green Tara Empowerment ceremony at the Akron/Canton Shambhala Meditation Group. The Green Tara is a Buddhist female deity who represents compassion and, in particular, enlightened activity. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)

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CUYAHOGA FALLS: The smell of incense filled the room as more than 60 people gathered for a Green Tara empowerment ceremony at the Akron-Canton Shambhala.

Four Tibetan monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery in India assisted in the ceremony held this week at the Buddhist meditation center on Portage Trail.

The four monks are on a tour of the country.

Jangchub Chophel said he and the other three are among about 1,000 monks living in a refugee camp in southern India.

Buddhists use meditation and ritual to achieve wisdom and a spirit of peace and purity. The female deity Tara represents compassion, enlightened activity and relief from bad karma.

Tara has 21 major forms represented by different colors. The Green Tara offers compassion, sympathy and fearlessness to the believers.

”She’s a remover of obstacles,” said Chophel. ”She’s there to rescue.”

Chophel assisted in the ceremony and served as an interpreter.

Originally from southern California, and also known as John Bruna, Chophel
has been a Tibetan monk for five years.

A divorced single father and high school history teacher, the former Catholic said he was drawn to Buddhism.

”It just seemed to answer a lot of questions for me. The first book I read on Buddhism taught me to be a better Christian,” said the 48-year-old monk.

With his daughter grown, Chophel said, he figured he ”could get in another relationship or become a monk.”

His daughter, Jessica Rose, 28, is the mother of a nearly 1-year-old daughter, Caitlyn Rose.

”My daughter has been very supportive,” he said.

Jessica Rose had to give permission for him to join the monastery. The customary tradition is for the parent to grant permission. His daughter also gives him a small allowance and a cell phone to use.

Chophel said he also had the blessing of his priest, a gesture that offered some solace to his late mother, a devout Catholic.

”He assured my mom I’d be OK being a Buddhist monk,” he said.

Only about six of the 1,000 monks living at the monastery are Westerners.

A cleansing ritual started the ceremony in Cuyahoga Falls.

A monk poured liquid into shoeless attendees’ cupped hands. They were instructed to rinse their mouths with the liquid, called ”nectar,” then spit it into a bowl.

Through a series of Tibetan chants and various rituals, the participants were encouraged to cleanse themselves of negative thoughts, actions and feelings. They were called to be empowered to become kinder and purer.

Green Tara is ”there to provide support whenever you need help and guidance,” Chophel told those in attendance.

”It’s a visualization practice,” explained Richard Weiner, director of practice and education at the Falls center.

He said participants are called to visualize the deity and relate to her qualities.

The monks sat on cushions on the floor, as did some of the attendees. Others sat on chairs.

”The Tibetans didn’t even have a word for chairs [because they always sit on the floor], so they invented a word for chair that means ‘lift butt,’ ” said Bill Kirchner of Medina.

”I’ve been wanting to come [to the center] and I saw this [advertised] online,” Diana Davis of Akron said of her first visit. ”I intend to come back. It just made me feel good and cleansed inside. Made me feel a greater connection to all that is.”

Everett Cook of Cuyahoga Falls said he attends meditations two or three times a week at the center.

Cook said he wants to believe, but still has some doubts. Events like the ceremony this week are ”kind of like a suspension of disbelief. This pulled me closer to believing.”

He said he wants to follow Buddhism to ”make me a better person, make me happier, make me of better use to the world.”

Katy Scarpitti of Akron was a first-time attendee.

”I was curious and I was invited,” she said. ”I felt that it was relaxing and cleansing.”

Chris Chamberlin of Wadsworth serves on the center’s council and attends sessions two or three times a week.

He said such ceremonies as the Green Tara empowerment are rare because it is a group experience, rather than individual meditation.

He said he was drawn to Buddhism because ”for me it’s a profound way to feel connected to the larger community. A sense of compassion, an open heart.”

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Linda Golz can be reached at 330-996-3640 or lgolz@thebeaconjournal.com.

Many faiths find harmony as Buddhist monks visit Toledo, share blessings
Service at Methodist church emphasizes tolerance, peace

U.S.-born Venerable Jangchub Chophel, center, speaks with Ben Travis in Maumee as another Buddhist monk looks on. ( THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH ) Zoom | Photo Reprints

By DAVID YONKE
BLADE RELIGION EDITOR
Wearing saffron-and-maroon-colored robes with crested shamo hats, seven Tibetan Buddhist monks stood in a line before a Christian altar and harmonized a complex, ancient chant during a multifaith gathering in Toledo Thursday night. The monks’ multitoned throat chants, ranging from rumbling bass notes to soaring high-pitched tones, were accompanied by a symbolic “bathing ritual,” in which water that had been transformed into “radiant, blissful nectar” was poured into a bowl from a peacock feather-topped pot. “We called forth the bodhisattvas [enlightened ones] and asked them for a blessing for all the people here and the prayers that were offered tonight,” said Venerable Jangchub Chophel, the lone American-born monk in the touring group from a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India. The inclusive prayer-chants were a fitting send-off for the 150 or so people who were treated to prayers, readings, music, dance, stories, information, and even a puppet show from seven religious groups – Baha’is, Unitarian Universalists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sufis, and Buddhists. The service at Monroe Street United Methodist Church was titled “World Peace and the Unity of All Religions: A Multi-Faith Gathering.” “It doesn’t mean everybody believes the same thing, but we can all sit down and talk,” said Paula Massey, a local Buddhist who helped arrange the six-day visit by monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastery in southern India.

The multifaith event was in the spacious sanctuary of Monroe Street UMC, a central-city church whose roots date to circuit-riding preachers in 1825.

Baha’i was the first faith in the service, with Jennifer Hill and Shamsi Modarai reading sacred texts and explaining that the religion was founded in the early 19th century by a Persian-born nobleman known as Baha’u'llah, “glory of God” in Arabic. The Rev. Lynn Kerr, pastor of First Unitarian Church of Toledo, cited writings by Dana McLean Greeley, first president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, in which he credited missionary doctor Albert Schweitzer for his “reverence for life.” Fifteen members of The Gathering, a First Unitarian musical group, sang two songs, including “Ours Is a Simple Faith,” which states, “There is no hell to fear, no Judgment Day drawing near.” A monk in the front pew took photos with a digital camera. The Rev. Karen Shepler, pastor of the host church on Monroe Street, told two allegorical stories that concluded that the best way to spread Christianity is by living out its message. “If they see you living out your religion, hopefully they will follow,” she said. Susheelabai Srinivasa, Rama Katrapati, and Prasunna Konneru described Hinduism as “a way of life, a discipline easy to fall in line,” and the three women sang a Hindu song. Representing Sufism, Judy Trautman led a Dance of Universal Peace on the song “A Fish in the Water Is Not Thirsty.” Audience members performed hand gestures and turned in circles. An innovative view of Islam was offered by Sayedah Rashad, 13, who led a three-person puppet show she wrote titled “Can’t We All Get Along.” Her puppet character answered questions from the other puppets, such as why Muslim women wear head scarves (we are taught to be modest) and why Muslims fast during Ramadan (it has nothing to do with running faster, she joked). The Buddhist monks will host a “Brunch with the Monks” from 10 to noon today at the Happy Badger in Bowling Green. Chophel will relate his spiritual journey at 10 a.m. tomorrow at First Unitarian Church, 3205 Glendale Ave. Information: 419-360-4750.

Buddhist monks’ tour stops in Toledo
By DAVID YONKE
BLADE RELIGION EDITOR
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. – David Yonke

So all went well at the TV station and then we had a wonderful lunch at Yva-Marie’s.  It was then that I got the news – in order to get to Colorado Springs in time, we needed to drive over Independence Pass. That’s right – 12,095 feet high with parts of the road only big enough for one vehicle to get through.  By the way, I am driving a one ton van full of monks and pulling a cargo trailer. Dennis says “no problem, I will lead the way”  and off we went. As we did I saw a sign stating no vehicles longer then 35 feet are allowed. Quickly evaluating the overall length of my van with the trailer as I am trying to keep up with Dennis, I concluded it couldn’t be longer than 34 feet, 10 inches and breathed a sigh of relief while trying to recall a mantra that will help us make it to the top (maybe I will actually measure it one day).

As the pictures indicate below, we did make it!  So we had to take a few photos and enjoy the amazing view.  While taking pictures (at 12,095 feet, high atop the Rockies) we turn to see someone taking pictures of us – our good friends, benefactors, webhosts, and film makers, Ri and Renee. They have come out to film some of our events as they are making a documentary of the tour.  However, they had no idea we would be there (neither did I for that matter) and yet we were all gathered together at this spectacular location.  Karma is an interesting thing my friends!  Because they were there, you will get to see some of the wonderful pictures they took posted below =).

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Our schedule was off to an auspicious start as it was His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Birthday.  We woke up early and Ray and Peggy joined us for a special morning ritual.  In the evening we invited the community to celebrate his birthday with us. We had a great turnout, did a special puja, sang happy birthday, and all shared cake and tea afterward.

Of course no visit to Grand Junction can be complete without our visit the Division of Youth Services (adolescents that are locked up). This is always one of our highlights.  Our good friend Jeff (a teacher there) always arranges for us to do and presentation and talk for the kids. Then we get to have lunch and visit with them. The kids are so receptive and really love spending time with the monks.  On a side note, the facility is really nice and the monks thought it compared to a 5 star hotel back in India.  They wondered how much the parents had to pay to send their kids there =).

Our main event was the construction of a Manjushri mandala at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts.  This is such an active and special art center. They have so many workshops and activities for the community it was great to see and be a part of. The mandala was sponsored by the kind people at the Earthwise Foundation and our dear friends Ray and Peggy.

All of our evening events were hosted by the Riverside Multicultural Center. The director, Juanita, is a dynamo! She is the force behind the center and has her hands full trying to make sure stays afloat. It is an important part of the community and, with this recession, funding is a challenge.  It is a beautiful space and we were able to do all our events there – from talks, to video presentations, to our full stage performance.

All and all, a great week – topped off with the dissolution of the mandala and a “dinner with the monks.” Ray and Peggy hosted a fundraiser dinner and the monks cooked a traditional Tibetan meal featuring momos.  Good food and friends.

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Chenrezig

July 16th, 7:00pm – Journey to the Roof of the World: Sacred Dances and Chants of Tibet at Shove Chapel. Come join us for an evening of sacred sounds from the roof of the world. Long hidden behind the Himalayan mountain ranges, the ancient Tibetan culture remained virtually untouched by the outside world for thousands of years. Now you will have an opportunity to experience the rare sounds and dramatic imagery of Tibetan sacred dances, music, and chants.

July 17th, 11:00am – Butter Sculpture Demonstration and Workshop at Bemis School of Art – The monks will work with children and adults to create traditional sculptures made from butter, as has been done in Tibet for over 800 years.

July 17th, 7:30pm – Vajravidaran Healing Ritual at the Shove Chapel – Vajravidaran is a Buddha associated with purification and health. Health is a result of our karmic imprints. This ritual offers an opportunity to improve your health by purifying negative karma. The Vajravidaran ritual of purification and has three stages: the removal of negativities, the cleansing of subtle negative imprints, and protection from their return.

Personal healings, business/home blessings, and astrology are available by appointment. Contact Cindy 720-233-6719

All events hosted by Thubten Shedrup Ling Buddhist Center.

Grand Junction, Colorado

Tibetan monks create mandalas to represent a dwelling palace. Now, a group of them from the Garden Shartse Monastery, all the way across the world, are on the Western Slope to show off their beautiful art. The monks from India have been working for hours to create the colored sand piece over at the Art Center on 7th Street, and now they are sharing their work with the public for free.

Monk Chophel tells News Channel 5 they love coming to Grand Junction. “The reason we create them here is to just share as educational and cultural exchange another form of art,” he said.

The Earthwise Foundation and the Art Center made the four day visit possible. The monks will host a cultural show and other events through the weekend in the Grand Valley, and you are asked to join in the fun.