The busiest Norwich Tibet Week ever has provided a diverse and exciting glimpse of Tibetan life and culture for Norwich and the surrounding area.
This weekend, by kind invitation of the Dean and Chapter of Norwich Cathedral, audiences in Norwich will be enchanted by a performance of “Cham”, traditional dance and chant within the beautiful seclusion of the Cathedral Cloisters. These magnificent masked dances will delight a family audience providing an opportunity to see the unique culture of Tibet which is in serious danger of dying out.
The new Dean of Norwich Cathedral, The Very Reverend Graham Smith, will welcome the monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery to the Cathedral Cloisters this Saturday. The Dean said,
“The Cathedral is delighted to welcome the monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Norwich Cathedral has its roots in the Benedictine monastic tradition with its emphasis on worship, hospitality and learning. Since the thirteenth century, that tradition has lived on, and the opening of the new Refectory (on the site of the original building) a few months ago demonstrates that the tradition is alive and well today. It is therefore a privilege for us to welcome members of another community of faith whose life together honours the sanctity of life itself. Deep truths are often best expressed and explored in the simplest ways, and we look forward to the performance of traditional dance and chant which will provide an insight into the treasures of Tibetan life and culture.”
Throughout the week monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, in exile, have been creating the Mitrupka Sand Mandala at the King of Hearts Centre for People and the Arts. Tomorrow, Jane Rasch, organiser of the 2004 European tour by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery will be revealing some of the Meaning in the Mandala in a talk at the King of Hearts. There will be the opportunity to take a close look at traditional Tibetan monastic arts and crafts in workshops for both adults and children which take place at the King of Hearts on Saturday after the performance in the Cathedral Cloisters at noon. The Mitrupka Mandala is also on display in the King of Hearts’ Gallery. On Sunday morning the Mandala will be ritually destroyed by the monks and dispersed into the River Wensum.
