Tibetans had a unique opportunity to showcase their precious culture at the Smithsonian’s Sackler and the Air Space museums in Washington, DC from March 10 – March 21. A Mandala of Avaloketsvara was constructed at the Sackler and on March 20 the Tibetans joined the “Kites of Asia” event at the Air Space Museum. Both events attracted huge crowds, acoridng to local Tibetans.
Gyen Ngawang Chonjor of Namgyal Monastery flew from Wisconsin to construct the Mandala on March 10 to commemorate the 51st. Anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising day and also to offer prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetans also performed traditional Tibetan dance “Gyal Shey” officially open an exhibit of Situ Panchen’s paintings.
Visitors thronged the museum to watch the Mandala which for many youngsters was a new thing. Ironically, the visitors, especially children were wondering why anyone would destroy the lovely Mandala so painstakingly constructed over many days. A huge crowd gathered for the Mandala dismantling ceremony on March 13, and watched in silent fascination as the sand was scooped together to be dispersed outside – a lesson in the impermanence of life.
In the museum’s education section, the Tibetans had set up family altars brought from their homes to show how Tibetans maintain and preserve their religion and culture on a daily basis in our homes. .
Children and teachers from the Tibetan Sunday language school performed dances on a stage at the Air Space Museum throughout the day.
Tenzin Lhundup , one of the main organizers of these events, said “We are very happy we had this wonderful opportunity to share our unique and ancient Tibetan culture with a large number of museum visitors and to show them how we try to preserve and maintain our traditions in a country not ours. It was wonderful that the Tibetan community came together to volunteer their time and talents to make this such a great success.”
