11am – 6pm – Gaden Shartse monks created a sand mandala dedicated to Avalokitesvara the Buddha of Active Compassion.

7:30pm – 10pm
Slide talk by Alex Grey on the Buddha of Compassion, and discuss the visionary approach of Tibetan art with Venerable Lamas.

Lecture by Lama on Avalokitesvara, Deity of Active Compassion

Empowerment of the Buddha of Compassion initiating participants into the use of the powerful peace bringing mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum.

Deep chanting, and ritual dance preceded music from the Monks and Ray Ippolito and the Waves of Life.

At the end of the evening, the sand mandala was destroyed and sand dispersed to participants. 

The Buddha of Compassion pledged not to leave the realm of Samsara, (the wheel of life, suffering and rebirth) until all sentient beings were liberated.   Receiving the empowerment of this Buddha, called Chenrezig, provides one with protection from an unfortunate lower rebirth.