The Sacred Arts Tour of Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery will return to Folsom from Jan. 14 to Jan. 18. Hosted by Placerville Friends of Tibet since 2003, the tour marks nearly two decades of visits and will once again extend its reach to Folsom this year.

Gaden Shartse Monastery, located in exile in southern India, has cultivated strong ties with the Sierra Foothills and surrounding communities. The monks express deep gratitude to the organizers, community members, and partners who have supported the tour over the years.

The monks will share their rich cultural traditions, including the creation of sand mandalas, Tibetan Buddhist teachings, astrology readings, healing rituals, and blessings for individuals, families, businesses, and even pets.

Folsom Schedule

All events will take place at 1580 Creekside Drive on the campus of Mercy Hospital. Sand mandala viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The schedule includes:

Tuesday, Jan. 14
6–7:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremony and Dharma Talk on the Medicine Buddha Mandala. Guests can meet the monks and engage in discussions about Tibetan Buddhism, monastic life, and the significance of mandalas.

Wednesday, Jan. 15
6–7:30 p.m.: Teaching on “Karma: Cause and Effect.”

Thursday, Jan. 16
6–7:30 p.m.: Vajravidarin Healing Ritual, focusing on purification of negative actions of body, speech, and mind.

Friday, Jan. 17
6–7:30 p.m.: Teaching on “The Six Perfections” — ethics, generosity, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom.

Saturday, Jan. 18
Daytime: Personal blessings and blessings of personal items.
3:30–4:30 p.m.: Meditation Workshop (tickets required; limited seating).
5–6 p.m.: Closing Ceremony with the dissolution of the Medicine Buddha Mandala.

Supporting the Gaden Shartse Monastery

The tour supports Gaden Shartse Monastic College in Mundgod, Karnataka, India. Founded in 1969, the monastery was established to preserve the Gelug tradition, one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, which is also followed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Today, the monastery is a hub of Tibetan monastic education, home to more than 1,600 residents, including students, teachers, scholars, and spiritual practitioners. Over 70% of its members are between the ages of 10 and 25, with many arriving from Tibet seeking refuge and education.

Funds raised through the tour have contributed to the construction of facilities such as a debate hall, supported medical needs, and provided salaries for teachers. The monks express heartfelt appreciation to their Western supporters who have made these tours possible.

About Placerville Friends of Tibet

Placerville Friends of Tibet is a volunteer group dedicated to sharing Tibetan culture and Buddhism with the greater Sacramento region, including El Dorado County and the Sierra Nevada Foothills. In partnership with Arts & Culture El Dorado, they have hosted the Sacred Arts Tour since 2003. Learn more at www.placervillefriendsoftibet.org.

The Sacred Arts Tour is an opportunity for the community to experience Tibetan culture and practices that foster inner peace and compassion. Organizers hope the upcoming tour will be another meaningful success.

© Folsom Times, All Town Media LLC