By Razi Schwartz
Save Tibet – we’ve all heard it before. But really, what have you done about it? Nothing. That’s what I thought. I mean, how much do you really know about Tibet, its culture, its people? Nothing? Again, I thought so. Ever heard of the Tibet House on 15th Street? Well, ok then, I’ll tell you about it.
I stumbled upon the Tibet House and was really taken with some of the events that they sponsor – aside from being thoroughly educational (i.e. learning about that which we do not already know), but…wait get this…IT’S REALLY INTERESTING. I mean, I’m sorting through the myriad of events, lectures, and exhibits they’re having and, well, now my calendar is totally and completely booked. So, no, we can’t have dinner that night. I’m sorry, ok? I don’t care that you finally got reservations at Per Se…and so on, and so forth.
To shout-out (Bronx in da house!) all of the fabulous events offered at the Tibet House would read like an op-ed piece in the Times, so I have selected a few delicious morsels I would like to share with you. The first on my list goes back to my roots – I had the distinct pleasure of never getting into one of Robert Thurman’s classes at Columbia. But, now I laugh in the face of that because…he’s teaching at the Tibet House and I’m all over that like a fly on…well, you know.
Don’t know who Robert Thurman is? Well, aside from being a world famous professor who specializes in Tibetan studies and Buddhism, he also happens to be Uma’s father. Makes you love her even more, eh? Yeah, she’s just…ugh…fabulous. He is giving two lectures alongside Mark Epstein, as well as a series of lectures he will lead himself.
Lecture 1: Going to Pieces without Falling Apart under the Jewel Tree of Tibet
Feb. 3rd: 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Nonmembers $20/Members $18
Thurman and Epstein lead a discussion on one of the key principals of Buddhist contemplation – how to be ok with and tolerate uncertainty, ambiguity, and unpredictability. Basically, how to chill out and be ok with whatever the world throws your way. As I think about how I freaked out when my mocha latte didn’t have enough foam, I think this is something from which we all can benefit.
Lecture 2: Meditation and Free-Association: A Buddhist perspective on Psychotherapy
Feb. 4th: 10:00am – 5:00pm. Nonmembers $130/Members $120
All day long, yeah! Thurman and Epstein will take you through the journey of Buddhist psychology – going through everything starting with the Four Noble Truths (great name for a boy band, right? Ok, sorry, bad me) through the concepts of emptiness, selflessness, and compassion. There will also be some straight up meditation. The whole thing just sounds so deliciously relaxing – way better than picking up your laundry or taking the dog to the vet.
Lecture series: Module 1: The Blade Wheel of Mind Transformation
Wednesdays Feb. 8th, 15th, and 22nd. 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Nonmbers $70/Members $60. Individual lectures are $25 (cash or check) at door as space permits.
Thurman will lead participants through one of the key Buddhist texts, known as The Blade Wheel of Mind Transformation. Think transcendental wisdom, peace, transformation. In the words of the Dalai Lama, “Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.” Ahhhhhhh…
On to my second great find at Tibet House- ART! Ha ha, how hilarious would that be if I claimed to discover art. Well, I’m not. But, there is a great exhibition coming to Tibet House – Tibetan architecture in watercolor. Delicate, Exotic Watercolors Depict 1,400 Years of Tibetan Architecture will be on display starting February 9th through April 7th. Oh, but…yay for opening receptions! The opening reception for this exhibition will be on February 9th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The illustrations are by Michel Peissel, the French explorer, ethnologist, and anthropologist who has dedicated himself and his career to all things Tibet. You can see firsthand – well, almost firsthand – ancient and remote Tibetan monestaries, chapels and fortresses that you would never have had the opportunity to see. Gotta love that – a voyage without ever going below 14th Street.
Ok, my third “find” is a HUGE save the date. Wednesday, March 1st – a BENEFIT CONCERT at CARNEGIE HALL. What’s the line-up? Uh…Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Antony, Nawang Khechog, Damien Rice, Sufjan Stevens, Allen Toussaint…THAT’S WHO!!!! If you’re interested in just going to the concert, tickets can be purchased in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office (154 W. 57th Street), or by calling (212) 247-7800. Tickets are on sale now ranging from $30-$108. Now, this is all fine and dandy, but…who wants to just go to the concert when there’s a post-concert dinner party/fundraiser? That’s what I thought! For tickets to the concert and to the reception, call the Tibet House at (212) 807-0563. A portion of the proceeds of the concert will go to a New Orleans hurricane relief organization aiding New Orleans musicians affected by the hurricane, and a portion of the party proceeds will go to the local Tibetan community, the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey.
So, where does all this lead? Well, hopefully it’ll lead you to the Tibet House. I have just one more eensy weensy tidbit. You noticed above that there are some nonmember and member prices – how does one become a member at Tibet House? Go http://www.tibethouse.org/membership. All the details are there – there are different levels of membership that come with different perks. But…the greatest perk is that members will be automatically eligible to reserve one ticket to see the Dalai Lama when he is in New York on September 23rd-September 25th. The cost of the ticket is $285 – but the priceless element is that you’ll actually get a ticket. Once in a lifetime doesn’t cut it.
http://www.tibethouse.org 22 West 15th Street. New York, NY 10011. Tel: (212) 807-0563
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