Oracles and Festivals : Setting Communal Intention in a Ladakhi Monastery

Discover how community intention is activated and celebrated at a special Himalayan Heritage gathering that explores the power behind Buddhist monastic festivals in Ladakh. Every year the spectacular Guru Tsechu Festival takes place in Stok Village, giving participants an opportunity to clear away obstacles, generate good karma, and set positive intentions for the year ahead. Khenpo Sangye Wangdi will speak on Oracles and lead a short guided meditation.

The Rubin Museum has invited Laura Kozaitis, and Stanzin Dawa from the Siddhartha School Project, which has its home in Stok Village, to share stories about this moving festival. Learn about the essential intention of religious dance (cham) performed in the festival, discover the role of Ladakh’s powerful oracles, and hear firsthand accounts from Stok villagers who depend on the oracles to make predictions, clear away doubt, and set forward with intention the work ahead with care and consideration for the community. Enjoy this intimate gathering in the Rubin’s Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, offering offer a unique glimpse into one of Ladakh’s most magical events of the year.

Khenpo Sangay Wangdi was enthroned as Khenpo (religious minister) by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche in 1999 after completing his studies at Namdroling Monastery in South India. Since then, he has been teaching at centers around the world. Khen Rinpoche speaks excellent English and is revered by his students as a charismatic teacher who excels in explaining the essence of Buddhist teachings.

About Siddhartha School

Founded in 1993 by the esteemed Buddhist abbot Khen Rinpoche Lobsang Tsetan, the school is a vital agent in moving an ancient, peaceful culture into the 21st century with care and consideration for the traditions of its people. For over 20 years Siddhartha School has provided a dynamic, sensitive program of academic excellence for all children, nursery age through Class 10, regardless of economic means. It is an institution with a great track record. Since the first graduating class in 2008, 100 percent of students have passed the government exam. What is more, in 2008 and 2009 a female student in each class set, and then broke, the highest exam records ever achieved in all of the Jammu and Kashmir region. Siddhartha School students continue to produce “district toppers,” who score in the top 20 on this exam, setting a standard of academic excellence for an area once plagued with illiteracy.