The Ngari Institute’s Great Compassion USA Tour 2024 is well underway, bringing Tibetan Buddhist teachings of compassion, mindfulness, and healing to communities across the United States. Led by Geshe Tsewang and a group of dedicated monks, this tour is more than a journey through cities and states; it’s a mission to connect, inspire, and gather support for the Ngari Institute’s educational and charitable work in northern India. The tour invites everyone, regardless of background, to experience the deeply transformative art of sand mandala creation, blessings, and teachings that enrich lives on both practical and spiritual levels.
In each city, the monks bring Tibetan culture, Buddhist values, and compassion to life through events open to all. As they near the halfway mark of this tour, we’re excited to share their progress, the meaningful exchanges taking place, and ways you can join this journey.
Reconnecting with Communities Through Compassion and Shared Humanity
One of the tour’s main objectives is to rekindle relationships with old friends and supporters, while also welcoming new ones into the Ngari Institute’s community. As Geshe Tsewang shared in a recent interview on the Lion’s Roar Talk Openly show, these events foster long-term bonds that go beyond geographical boundaries. At each stop, the monks meet with individuals who support the Ngari Institute’s mission to provide free education, healthcare, and compassionate care for children in need.
The tour’s impact is felt at every location. In San Luis Obispo, for example, the monks created a stunning Medicine Buddha mandala, drawing residents into the tranquil yet vibrant world of Tibetan Buddhist practice. Witnessing the mandala’s construction and subsequent dissolution is a powerful experience, reminding us of life’s impermanence and the importance of living with intention and compassion.
The Art and Spirituality of Sand Mandalas
Sand mandalas, meticulously crafted from grains of colored sand, are among the most significant expressions of Tibetan Buddhist art. Each mandala requires days of concentrated work, with monks using chak-pur, traditional metal funnels, to place sand with extreme precision. In this delicate process, every grain symbolizes the harmony and interconnectedness of all things.
The Medicine Buddha mandala, a central focus of this tour, represents healing for physical and mental ailments, with particular emphasis on the challenges people have faced in recent years. As Geshe Tsewang explained to Jac and Daniel on the Talk Openly show, the mandala’s purpose is to generate a field of healing energy that extends to everyone in its presence, regardless of their beliefs.
Each mandala is eventually dismantled – a poignant reminder of life’s transient nature. Sand from the completed mandala is offered to a nearby body of water, symbolizing the release of blessings and intentions into the world. This cycle of creation and dissolution reflects the natural rhythms of life, loss, and renewal, reminding us to cherish each moment.
Interfaith Dialogue and Community Healing
At the heart of the Ngari Institute’s work is a commitment to compassion and community well-being. During a recent interfaith gathering at the Empathy Center, the monks joined local leaders to explore themes of empathy, kindness, and spiritual resilience. This conference encouraged participants to embrace a sense of shared humanity, bridging cultural and religious divides through compassion.
In an era where many people experience isolation or hardship, the tour has become a source of healing and community. In Santa Maria, the monks returned to Allan Hancock College for the first time since the pandemic, reconnecting with friends and offering blessings that resonate on both individual and collective levels.
Practical and Spiritual Benefits for All
The tour’s impact is not limited to spiritual teachings; it also has practical benefits for the Ngari Institute, an organization founded in 2010 to support children from impoverished backgrounds in Ladakh, India. The Institute provides free education, housing, and healthcare for students who otherwise lack access to these resources. In addition to secular education, the curriculum includes traditional Buddhist teachings, giving students a holistic foundation that fosters wisdom and compassion.
As Geshe Tsewang shared, the tour also raises funds for the Institute’s ongoing projects, including educational scholarships, food and healthcare for students, and environmental initiatives such as large-scale tree planting. With each tour stop, the monks aim to raise awareness and funds, encouraging attendees to support the Ngari Institute’s mission. For more on these initiatives, you can explore our Ngari Foundation website and the Ngari Institute’s Facebook page.
Witnessing the Mandala Process: Videos and Highlights
For those unable to attend in person, several videos capture the essence of the tour. The tour’s kickoff video provides a simple overview of its mission and early events. Additionally, unedited footage from Allan Hancock College offers an in-depth look at the mandala creation process, while this highlights video showcases key moments from one of the tour stops, bringing viewers closer to the monks’ journey.
Each video serves as a window into the tour, allowing viewers to witness the monks’ dedication, artistry, and compassionate intent firsthand. For a comprehensive understanding, we recommend watching these videos to see the intricate work and the community engagement that define this tour.
Upcoming Stops: Join Us on This Journey
As the tour continues, the monks will travel to additional cities, including Colorado, Maine, New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and Portland. Each stop offers a unique opportunity for people to experience the teachings and blessings of Tibetan Buddhism. Whether through mandala creation, blessings, or dialogue, the monks share a message of compassion, patience, and mindful living that resonates with all who participate.
For those who attend, these events provide a chance to contribute to a meaningful cause. Donations made at each event, including purchases from the monks’ small gift shop, go directly to support the Ngari Institute’s children’s programs and environmental initiatives. If you’re interested in supporting this work, please consider attending a tour stop or visiting our donation page.
Support the Ngari Institute’s Mission
In a world that sometimes feels fragmented, the Great Compassion Tour reminds us of our shared humanity and the value of kindness. Whether you’re able to attend in person, follow along through videos, or support the Institute through a donation, your involvement helps keep the Ngari Institute’s mission alive.
The Ngari Institute’s work is about creating a future rooted in compassion and connection. Through the education of young minds, sustainable practices, and cultural preservation, we are building a legacy of hope, resilience, and peace. Join us on this journey – each step brings us closer to a world where compassion is the foundation for all.
Photos from the Tour
