|
Ambassadors of Peace THE Mornington Peninsula Is once again home to the Gyuto monks of Tibet. Thousands of peninsula residents have attended chanting meditation ceremonies held by the monks during previous visits. The monks for the next two months will stay at Muranna, a former thoroughbred stud at Merricks North. An outbuilding at the property has been transformed into a temple. The altar is decorated with red patterned carpets, candles and a statue of the Buddha. Cushions cover the concrete floor and the scent of incense wafts through open doors to an herb garden and wisteria walk. While on the peninsula the monks will hold daily meditation sessions and give a series of talks about Buddhism, its teachings and philosophies. The Gyuto monks, based in India, is one of several groups of peace ambassadors travelling the world on behalf of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Last Friday they held a guru puja ceremony, which involved chanting a special prayer to celebrate the Dalai Lama's 66th birthday. 'It's a special prayer monks do for the long life of a particular person, or as an offering to a teacher,' Sonam Rigzin, the group's translator, said. A former monk, Mr Rigzin, travels with the monks during their Australian visits: 'They are fulfilling the Dalai Lama's wish to spread world peace and raise awareness of Tibetan people and their culture'. They also raise money to continue the training of priests and preserve Tibetan culture.' Mr Rigzin was born in India after his parents fled Tibet in 1959 in the wake of the Chinese takeover. He came to Australia 17 years ago giving up his life as a monk 'when 1 fell in love with an Australian girl'.  ~ | CLOSE WINDOW | ~  |
FRONT
PAGE FEATURE - The Mornington Mail