Lung-ta : Windhorse - Prayer flag for positive energy and transformation

Join us for a special workshop, '' Lung-ta : Windhorse - Prayer flag for positive energy and transformation' on May 11th from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.

 In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Embark on a journey of creativity and mindfulness through the creation of Lung-ta prayer flags. Lung-ta, or Windhorse, symbolizes Peace, Prosperity, and Healing within oneself and the World.

Inspired by the profound tradition of Buddhist prayer flags showcased in an installation by artist Asha Kama Wangdi of Vast Bhutan at the Rubin Museum of Art's 'Reimagine:  Himalayan Art Now' exhibition,  this workshop will immerse attendees in the beauty and symbolism of these flags. We are honored to have artist Chimi Zangmo from Vast Bhutan, a valued member of Asha Karma Wangdi's team, and Tashi Chodron, the Rubin Museum's Himalayan Programs and  Communities Ambassador, who will share their insights and wisdom on the spiritual significance of prayer flags.

All attendees will engage by sharing their prayers, hopes and wishes on a card. Both of the artists will be on hand to share the meaning and symbolism of Prayer flag.

Contribute your own prayers, wishes and hopes and learn about the symbolism of prayer flags, participants can take home a blessed prayer flag to usher in good health, prosperity and transformation.

Hanging prayer flags is believed to bring forth good luck and blessings. It is believed that when a prayer flag is blown by the wind, the prayers purify the environment and help bring peace and healing to the world.

Additionally, we will explore the profound connection of our Maitreya Bodhisattva statue collection, enhancing our understanding of Buddhist art and culture.

The workshop will conclude with a 20-minute guided meditation session led by Tashi Chodron, exploring different practices such as mantra, mudra, and mindfulness, deepening our connection to the practice and the symbolism.

About our Guest: 

Asha Kama Wangdi, born in 1958 in Punakha, Bhutan, is a distinguished artist and mentor. His journey began in Thimphu, where he immersed himself in Bhutanese traditional art before furthering his studies in England. In 1997, he co-founded VAST Bhutan, mentoring over 10,000 young artists. Recognized for his contributions, he received the National Order of Merit (Gold) in 2010 from His Majesty The King of Bhutan. Asha continues to reside in Thimphu, passionately nurturing both art and community.

Tashi Chodron is a lay Buddhist practitioner. She is one of the first women of her generation in exile to receive the entire teachings of the Vajrayana path directly from HH Penor Rinpoche (one of the greatest masters of the 20th century) including Ngondro—preliminary teachings, Tsalung and Dzogchen, the pinnacle teachings of the Great Perfection. As the Himalayan Programs and Communities Ambassador at the Rubin Museum of Art, Tashi has taught Awakening Practice and Awakening Wisdom Experience mindful meditation classes, and educates university students and adults through gallery tours and classes on Himalayan Art and Culture.

She taught the Awakening Practice at Kripalu in partnership with NY Yoga and Life Magazine for many years and curated a monthly program on Himalayan Art and Culture called “Himalayan Heritage” at the Rubin Museum of Art. She also lead virtual sessions with Tibet House New York, the Center for Adults Living Well @ the YMCA, and hosted meditation sessions for children since the pandemic, and led a meditation session on the 21 Feminine Attributes for UN Women’s USA. 

As an exciting addition, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the 

Rubin 

Museum of Art, enriching our members' experiences.

Participate in our exclusive JMM members' tour at the Rubin Museum on July 5th at 6 pm, followed by a guided tour of the exhibition 

"Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now," which transforms the entire museum with new commissions, some site-specific, and existing works juxtaposed with objects from the Museum’s collection, inviting new ways of encountering traditional Himalayan art. After the tour, enjoy cocktails and a DJ at the K2 Lounge of the Museum.