Insight Meditation Community of Charlotte (IMCC) will host the Tashi Kyil Tibetan Buddhist Monks between October 27 and 31. 

Tashi Kyil monks will create a sacred sand mandala as a form of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, symbolizing impermanence and the universe, which is then ceremonially destroyed, in the Narthex at Park Road Baptist Church. All are welcome to view the mandala being made and to purchase handmade items crafted by Tibetan refugees, including scarves, jewelry and prayer flags, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., October 28 to 30 and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on October 31.

The monks use colored sand to create intricate, symbolic patterns that embody spiritual themes such as compassion and peace. Visitors are invited to witness the lengthy creation process and the final dissolution ceremony, where the sand is swept into a pile, representing the impermanent nature of life, and then deposited into a body of water to spread its healing energies.  

An evening of chants, meditation and a Dharma talk will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. on October 29 at the Park Road Baptist Church. The event will open at 6:30 p.m. for the sale of handmade items crafted by Tibetan refugees and to view the mandala.

The Tashi Kyil Monks, part of the Gelug sect led by His Holiness The Dali Lama, are touring the U.S. to teach and inform about compassion, Tibetan culture and to raise funds for their monastery and the many children they care for and educate. Their monastery in Tibet was destroyed and was rebuilt in India in 1967, where they could freely practice.

For 15 years, IMCC has hosted free meditations and Dharma talks for people of all faiths and beliefs. Meetings are held in person and on Zoom every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Park Road Baptist Church. IMCC offers retreats, classes, and opportunities to study and practice mindfulness, with the intention of integrating wisdom and manifesting compassion in all aspects of life. Insight Meditation is relevant in our current challenging times as a means for quieting the mind, trusting the heart and living with ease.

Free admission, donations appreciated. Proceeds from sale of handmade items provide funding for their monastery. Location: 3900 Park Rd., Charlotte. For more information, email [email protected] or visit IMCCharlotte.org.   

Insight Meditation Community of Charlotte - 3900 Park Rd Milford Chapel Meditation Hall, Charlotte, NC

The Insight Meditation Community of Charlotte is dedicated to the practice of Insight (Vipassana) Meditation and Lovingkindness (Metta) practice. Persons of all (or no) faiths and beliefs... Read More »