Mystical Arts of Tibet

Mystical Arts of Tibet (Sacred Music, Sacred Chants)

Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

Knight Theater
430 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202

Tickets: $15 plus 

Endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Mystical Arts of Tibet (Sacred Music, Sacred Chants), promotes world peace and healing by sharing Tibet’s rich and sacred performing and visual arts. Believed to generate energies that promote global healing, the monks, adorned in stunning traditional robes, play authentic Tibetan instruments, presenting ancient temple music and chants aimed at fostering peace and well-being.

The Drepung Loseling monks are especially renowned for their multiphonic chanting, known as zokkay (complete chord), as each chant master can simultaneously intone three notes, creating a full chord individually– a unique vocal skill cultivated exclusively by Tibetan culture. The Mystical Arts of Tibet tours have taken the world by storm, performing in many of world’s most prestigious theaters and music halls. The week-long residency by the Drepung Loseling monks in the Queen City will culminate with The Mystical Arts of Tibet (Sacred Music, Sacred Chants) performance at Knight Theater on September 21 for Charlotte International Arts Festival.

Among their artistic traditions is the practice of painting with colored sand, an art form known as dul-tson-kyil-khor, which translates to “mandala of colored powders.” This intricate process involves the painstaking placement of millions of sand grains onto a flat platform of geometric shapes and a variety of ancient spiritual symbols, serving as a tool for re-consecrating the earth and its inhabitants.

Traditionally, the sand mandalas are dismantled shortly after their completion, symbolizing the impermanence of life. The sands are then swept up and placed in an urn, and during the closing ceremony, half of the sand is distributed to the audience, while the rest is taken to a nearby body of water for planetary healing.

Mandala Sand Painting Opening Ceremony

September 17 at 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Knight Theater

The monks will begin preparing the site for the mandala sand painting with brief moments of chanting, music, and dance. Shortly following will be an informal reception to introduce the public to the full lineup of events and activities planned for the residency.

Mandala Sand Painting Viewing Hours at Knight Theater:

Tuesday, September 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, September 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, September 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, September 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mandala Sand Painting Closing Ceremony

September 21 at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Knight Theater

For the closing ceremony, the monks will dismantle the mandala, sweeping up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all existence. Then half of the sand will be distributed to the audience in small bags as memorable souvenirs.

Sponsored by Blumenthal Arts

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