St. Petersburg Hosts Tibetan Monks for Community Healing

News Summary

From January 13-18, 2024, St. Petersburg will welcome Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery for a spiritually enriching event at Florida CraftArt. The monks will create a sand mandala with a healing theme, aimed at helping the community recover from recent hurricanes. Attendees can participate in meditation sessions, mala-making workshops, and view local art inspired by mandalas. The event concludes with a dissolution ceremony that symbolizes life’s impermanence, providing attendees with a keepsake of this profound experience.

St. Petersburg Prepares for an Incredible Healing Experience with Tibetan Monks

St. Petersburg is getting ready for a spiritually uplifting event that promises to bring peace and healing to the community. From January 13-18, 2024, the talented Tibetan Buddhist monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery will be returning to Florida CraftArt to create a stunning sand mandala with a special healing theme. This year, the monks are focused on helping the local community recover from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Mark Your Calendars!

This unique event kicks off with an opening ceremony on Monday, January 13, at 10:30 a.m. It’s the perfect way to start a week filled with mindfulness and artistic expression. The sand mandala will be created daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you have plenty of chances to stop by and watch the monks skillfully bring this beautiful representation of healing to life.

Meditation to Highlight the Week

Don’t forget to take note of the special morning meditation session on Wednesday, January 15, at 10:15 a.m., which is absolutely free for everyone who wants to participate. It’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace some peaceful moments and learn about Tibetan Buddhist practices in a warm and welcoming environment.

Hands-On Activities for Everyone

If you’re looking to get hands-on, make sure to reserve a spot in one of the mala-making workshops on Friday, January 17, at 4 p.m. or Saturday, January 18, at 11 a.m.. These workshops are very limited, with only 12 spots available in each session, so act fast! The cost is $45 for non-members and $30 for members, which covers all materials you’ll need to create your own beautiful mala beads.

Shop Authentic Tibetan Goods

Throughout the week, a variety of authentic Tibetan goods will be available for purchase. You can find jewelry and scrolls, among other items, in the gallery. Not only will you walk away with a unique treasure, but your purchases will also support the monastery.

A Sneak Peek into Local Art

The Mandala Project, which showcases stunning works by local Tampa Bay-area artists. The exhibition will be on display from January 10 to 23, 2024, with an opening reception on January 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the local art scene and see how a theme of mandalas is interpreted by various artists!

Concluding Ceremonies to Bring Reflection

The event culminates in a dissolution ceremony for the sand mandala on Saturday, January 18, starting at 10 a.m.. This is a deeply spiritual experience that symbolizes the impermanence of life. After a session of chanting, monks will carry half of the collected sand in a procession to Tampa Bay for another blessing ceremony at 2 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to receive a small envelope of sand from the mandala as a keepsake—just be sure to arrive early, as supplies are limited!

Location and Information

All of these events take place at Florida CraftArt, located at 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Given the expected high turnout, especially for the dissolution ceremony, be prepared for a little wait outside due to limited gallery capacity. For more details, visit their website at floridacraftart.org or give them a call at 727-821-7391. This event blends culture, spirituality, and community in a way that you won’t want to miss!