by Stephanie Kerr
Reno, Nevada: The Lake Tahoe “Tibetan Cultural Festival”, August 31 to September 7, at Valhalla was the highlight of my summer events. Losang Samten created and dismantled a sand mandala named “The Wheel of Life”. Each time I see this beautiful, time consuming work I am struck by the ease with which Losang brushes away his art. This lends authenticity to “non-attachment”.
Losang guides this East Meets West gathering of family and friends with the sponsorship and diligent work of Dave and Jan Arnett. Sonam Tashi, musician and singer, participates in many aspects of the event. He tells stories about Tibet’s music and along with singer Karma Gyaltsen sets an interesting musical tone to all aspects of this event.
While listening to this music, walking across the grounds and viewing Lake Tahoe, I took the opportunity to visit with vendors. We talked about the meaning of this object or that song and of course politics. Tsering tells me that she cannot dance and invites me to join her in the circle dance. Tenzin tells me about his mother Migmar’s delicious momos at the “Tibetan Kitchen” and I gobbled them up. Each interaction or purchase that I experienced was with the pleasure of a new friendship.
This new friendship is not trivial. Thangka painter Kelsang has captivated an audience with beautiful color of Shakyamuni Buddha and Vajrakilya. We wonder how he, like so many others, can cross the winter Himalaya as a kid. We watched several movies on this subject as well as Tibetan Yogi “secrets.” The strength of Buddhism and the Tibetan people is real.
The Tibetan Cultural Festival provides an arena for new art to emerge as well. It creates a village in America. A place where tradition can thrive and new art can support the past. Best of all, the Tibetan Festival is a place for us to spend time with our friends. We welcome their return!
Photos filed by Tashi Dhondup from California
