January 30, 2008

The Tibetan monks are coming back.

A “sacred earth and healing arts of Tibet” festival comes to Hood River Saturday.

The monks of Gaden Shartse Monastic College in India present an ancient “Chay Drol” ceremony in Hood River as part of an afternoon of events for the community.

The event is sponsored by the Gorge Tibet Cultural and Educational Support Group, which has hosted Gaden Shartse programs on an almost-annual basis for the past four years.

The monks of one of Tibet’s most revered and ancient monastic universities, Gaden Shartse, will present this ritual and other Tibetan cultural offerings, according to organizer Joan Yasui Emerson.

The afternoon events start with a Tibetan Butter Sculpture class for children and adults at 1 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m. the monks will demonstrate the famed Tibetan monastic debating, followed by a musical presentation with ancient Tibetan musical horns, drums, oboe and bells, and deep chanting.

The highlight of the afternoon’s presentations will be the Chay Drol, an ancient healing and purification ritual to remove negativities and to protect the participants, Emerson said.

All events are in the Pioneer Room of Riverside Community Church, Fourth and State streets in downtown Hood River.

Tibetan gift items will be sold following the presentations. Chai and cookies will be available.

Cost of the Tibetan Butter Sculpture class is $5; admission to the cultural program is by $10-20 donation, tax-deductible.

Proceeds support the monks’ work with Tibetan refugees, a hospital, and for their work to preserve Tibetan culture. Gaden Shartse was founded in 1969 and has served more than 1,600 students, teachers and scholars.

Reservations can be made to Gaden Shartse, c/o P.O. Box 598, Odell, OR 97044. Checks may be payable to Gaden Shartse. Admission at the door on Saturday will be allowed on a space available basis.