Tibetan Monks

Yesterday afternoon at work (I love my job) I got to go to a Tibetan Arts Workshop, and it was fantastic. I was completely awestruck by what I saw and learned. They did some dance, some music, some hand gestures- which were incredibly beautiful, and showed us how they do some of their arts such as sand mandalas, ink printing and butter sculptures. Anyhow, what was so inspiring was how they used the arts to pr-- and worship. They have these prayers that they chant with the hand gestures, they use the musical instruments to aid in clearing their mind to meditate, they print prayers on silk flags and hang them all over the place, they do so many creative things to act out and symbolize their requests . . . why does the chu-- have so much trouble figuring out what to do with the arts? Why are they so separate? The arts are such an integral part of these monk's worship- there is so much Chr---ians could learn from them. Sadly, most never will look to other religions to find the good points, the things they've got right.

And then today I got to go to an African hand drumming workshop- also brilliant. Like I said, I love my job :) (this week anyhow ;) ) Now I'm off to see the Monks and then the drummers perform in the opening for Salisbury International Arts Festival- two weeks of art and culture! Whoo-hoo!