David Hastie
THE Gyuto monks of Tibet are winding up their tour of Australia and they have loved every minute of it.
The monks, who have been spreading awareness of the Tibetan culture in Australia annually since 1994, met locals this week at the Dromana Community Hall.
They are renowned for practising their Buddhist philosophy in everyday life, instead of in study.
Before arriving in Australia last year, several of the monks had never seen the ocean.
The waters of Port Phillip Bay were not just an escape from the heat, but their first taste of the sea and sand.
While at Dromana this week, they had a hit of beach cricket on the foreshore they have become so fond of.
Over the past 12 months, the monks have spread their message of peace around Australia.
A highlight of their tour was welcoming their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to Princes Park in June.
They even managed to kick a football with several of the Carlton players. But it is their haunting harmonic chanting that has earned the monks world acclaim.
They boast several high-profile fans, including Star Wars creator George Lucas, actors Richard Gere and Sharon Stone and former Australian Test cricketer Justin Langer.
Translator Sonam Rigzin said the tour had been a great success.
“For this group of monks, the 2007 Precious Human Life Tour is now completing,” Mr Rigzin said.
“Of course in March, the monastery in India will send another group of six monks to continue on the next tour, the 2008 Happiness Connection Tour of Australia.”
Mr Rigzin said the monks had thoroughly enjoyed their time Down Under.
“They have found their time in Australia very beautiful, especially the generosity and the friendship that the Australian public have shown to them was something that touched their hearts,” he said.
“This friendship has been going for almost 14 years now and Gyuto and Australia seem to have struck a very nice friendship, and the monks would like to continue that way.”
To sponsor the monks, visit www.gyuto.va.com.au
