Geauga County will soon welcome far-from-home visitors, as Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastic University in India roll into town in June.
Geauga County will soon welcome far-from-home visitors, as Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Gaden Shartse Monastic University in India roll into town in June.
The monks, who are traveling the United States for the next two years on a “Sacred Arts of Tibet” tour, will be performing cultural programs around the greater Cleveland area over two weeks with a stop at Taproot Yoga in Chardon on June 21, said owners David and Freia Ramsey in a press release April 30.
The visiting monks will lead multiple classes throughout the day at Taproot, they said, expressing honor and excitement for the visit in a statement May 1.
“The presence of the monks offers a rare and profound opportunity for people in the Chardon area to experience sacred traditions that foster compassion, mindfulness and healing,” the couple said, adding the monks’ rituals serve as living art and invite peace, contemplation and harmony.
“Through these ancient teachings, community members of all backgrounds can experience deep inspiration and a sense of global interconnectedness,” they said. “Events like this can also help reduce stress, elevate spiritual curiosity and create space for cultural appreciation and dialogue.”
The teachings also support Taproot’s overarching mission of integrative healing and conscious living, the Ramseys said.
“By inviting the monks to Chardon, (we) are helping bridge ancient Eastern wisdom with modern holistic wellness, enriching Taproot’s offerings and providing the community with an unforgettable, heart-centered experience,” the couple added.
Gaden Shartse was founded around 1970 by refugee monks who had previously fled Tibet during its annexation by China in the 1950s, according to Taproot’s press release.
The monastery and school were built on land gifted by the Indian government and aim to preserve Tibetan Buddhism’s culture, traditions and teachings, according to the release, which added around 1,600 students, teachers, scholars and spiritual practitioners are currently housed at GSMU, with over 70% of residents being monks aged between 10-25.
The classes at Taproot will be donation based, with proceeds going to the monks. However, people will not be turned away if they can’t pay, according to Taproot’s website.
Classes will begin with a fire puja sand mandala at 9:30 a.m., during which the monks will meticulously craft a two-dimensional sand mandala honoring the Medicine Buddha. Upon completion, the mandala will be dissolved, according to Taproot.
“The Buddha’s last words were, ‘All things are impermanent, work out your salvation with diligence.’ In upholding the principle that all phenomena are transient, the monks sweep up the mandala and place the sand in a river, lake or ocean to purify the surrounding environment,” Taproot wrote on its website.
A Vajravidarin Healing Ritual will follow at 3:30 p.m., which clears energetic imprints and restores inner clarity, according to the studio.
“Through light, mantra and sacred movement, the Lama channels healing energy to purify negativity — physical, mental and emotional,” Taproot said.
The day will close with Lojong at 5:30 p.m. which, according to Taproot, is a 12th century Tibetan practice meant to train the mind.
“Through ancient teachings and reflection, we shift limiting thought patterns and open to compassion, clarity and wisdom,” Taproot said.
Registration for each of the classes is available at taprootyogachardon.com/events/.
