Three events are scheduled in Bluffton on September 3

The Gaden Shartse Monastery monks will visit Bluffton, Findlay and Carey as part of their 2024 National Tour. Tour objectives are to share the monks' Tibetan cultural heritage; chants and rituals for healing; and practices for inner peace and compassion. Also, the tour serves as a fundraising initiative to construct a Khangtsen (dormitory) at Gaden Shartse Monastery.

Purpose of the Tour
The tour will raise funds to construct a new dormitory at the monastery. Phukhang Khangtsen, one of the largest at Gaden Shartse Monastery, currently has 120 rooms for 450 monks, requiring many monks to share limited space and facilities. Funds raised during the tour will support building 60 new rooms to improve living conditions for the monks.

Schedule and Registration
Online registration for events indicated can be made at www.redtornadocollective.com/monks/

Tuesday, September 3

11:00 a.m. – Bluffton University Forum, Riley Court, 1 University Dr, Bluffton, OH: Intro to Gaden Shartse monastery & traditions, Healing Chant demonstration, Q&A.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. – Lion & Lamb Peace Center (LLPC), Riley Court, 1 University Dr, Bluffton, OH:  small Sand Painting creation and dismantling. Monks will also perform a blessing for the LLPC.

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Gaden Shartse Monks at Greenhorn Restaurant, 112 Vine St, Bluffton, OH Program:  plant-based Himalayan meal, healing chant & traditional debate demo, Q & A.

Tickets must be purchased by calling the restaurant at (567) 226-4568. Tickets are $40 each. Only 40 seats are available. Tickets may be available at the door.

Friday, September 6

7:00 p.m. – Mindfulness walk with the Monks at Riverbend, free for all.

Saturday, September 7

Individual Healing Sessions at Hot Yoga Findlay, 330 S Main St, Findlay, OH.  Online registration required.

Sunday, September 8

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. – Findlay Art League, 117 W Crawford St. Findlay, OH:  small Sand Painting creation & dismantling. Exhibit of Carole Elchert’s photographs of Tibet. Public event with freewill donations at the door.

6:30 p.m. – Carey Links, 200 E Findlay St., Carey, OH:  World Peace & Unity of Religions Lecture
Open to the public with freewill donations at the door.

Monday, September 9

5:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Findlay Brewing Company, 213 E Crawford St, Findlay, OH. Magic and Monks with magician Nathaniel Hill. Q&A with the Monks. Tibetan food available for purchase from Johnny Burritos. Donations will be accepted at the event.

Tuesday, September 10

6:00 p.m. – Black Heritage Library, 817 Harmon St, Findlay, OH, Soul Food and Q&A Gaden Shartse Monks. Tickets include a meal catered by Black Deacon Barbecue at $15 each. Online purchase preferred. Tickets at the door if available.

Wednesday, September 11

11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. – House of Business Blessings; online registration required.

About Gaden Shartse Monastery
Gaden Monastery, founded in Tibet in 1409 by the great preacher and Tibetan Buddhist scholar Tsongkhapa, is one of the Gelug school's three Seats of Learning. After China invaded Tibet, the monastery was re-established in 1970 at Mundgod, South India. Gaden Monastery is known for the study and practice of Buddhist Sutra and Tantra, producing renowned scholars in both fields.

Phukhang Khangtsen—one of 11 dormitories in Gaden Shartse Monastery—is home to 450 monks, including 100 Geshes (highest mastery). The tour aims to raise awareness and funds to support the monks and ensure they have the necessary accommodations to continue their spiritual life.

“We encourage everyone to participate in these unique educational, cultural events. Your participation will offer a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and contribute to their improved living conditions at the Gaden Shartse Monastery,” said Carole Elchert, event committee member.

For more information and to register for events, please visit www.redtornadocollective.com/monks/