A Visit Filled with Kindness, Compassion, and Love

For five inspiring days at Canterbury School, the Buddhist monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery brought not only a sense of joy to the campus but a stunning work of sand art—the Interfaith World Peace Mandala.

Drepung Gomang is located in the Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in South India. Its monks are renowned the world over for slowly and intricately crafting sand mandalas over several days before washing away their hard work in the nearest stream to symbolize the idea of impermanence in all things. 

The monks started the week by leading a prayerful chant at Monday’s School Meeting. They then set up in the D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice and began building their mandala as students and other members of the community stopped by to chat with them, take pictures, and watch the artistic process at work. The visiting monks were excited about interacting with our students, faculty, and staff. 

“Mandala” is a Sanskrit word meaning “world in harmony.” The contemporary mandala the monks created at Canterbury includes an image of our Earth in the center with a peace dove superimposed. Surrounding it are symbols of world religions, all beautiful in their own right and together signifying world peace.  

The beauty and symbolism of their work left a lasting impression. “It has been an absolute joy having our monastic friends from Drepung Gomang Monastery with us this week,” said Joshua Leeuw, Director of the D’Amour Center and Theology Teacher. “They loved seeing our campus and appreciated the generosity of this community. The monks have provided a hub of compassion, kindness, and peace in the D’Amour Center all week, and it has truly been a blessed experience.”

This is the second visit in which the Drepung Gomang monks shared their culture and art with Canterbury. They first came to campus in the fall of 2012 when Curtis Jones P ’14, a Civil Engineer whose daughter Abigail ’14 was a student at the time, connected them to the School. Curt has been affiliated with the monks since 1999, when he saw an item on the internet about them and sent a donation. One thing led to another, and he and his wife (and four-year-old Abby!) ended up hosting eight of the monks at their home in Woodbury, Connecticut, that same year—and then again at the end of the year for the 2000 millennium celebration.  

“After that, a friend and I traveled to their monastery in South India and got to know the monks better,” Curt said. “My connection with them just seems like a natural fit. Every time I see them, it is like meeting old friends. When they were seeking another venue for their tour this year, I suggested Canterbury. We would love to develop this into an ongoing relationship and invite them to campus on a more regular basis.”

The weeklong visit culminated in the Dissolution Ceremony on Friday afternoon when, accompanied by chanting, bells, and percussion, the monks disassembled their mandala, led a procession outside the Steers Center, and—lacking a stream on campus—spread the sand under a nearby tree. Samples of the sand were also blessed and preserved in bags for attendees to keep.

What a truly remarkable cultural exchange for the monks, our students, and the Saints community. We cannot wait to welcome them back!

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