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Writer's pictureJacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

THE OPENING OF VOICES OF DIASPORA



On November 3, 2024, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art launched the Voices of Diaspora Program with the Seven Offering Ceremony, a traditional Tibetan ritual performed to bring prosperity and blessings to the land. This meaningful opening honors the spirit of connection, cultural reverence, and shared heritage at the heart of our program, as we journey alongside the Tibetan, African American, Irish, Sri Lankan, and Mexican communities to celebrate resilience, creativity, and the vibrant legacy of diaspora.

The museum welcomed guests to immerse themselves in the rich culture and spirituality of Tibet and the Himalayas. The day was filled with meaningful rituals, engaging discussions, and delicious Himalayan cuisine, all set in the peaceful surroundings of the museum. It was a memorable day of connection and learning, as participants explored Tibetan Buddhist practices and gained insight into the resilience and heritage of the Tibetan community. Together, we celebrated the cultural and spiritual bonds that tie us to these diverse diasporic experiences.


The Seven Offerings Ceremony: A Community United in Blessings

One of the highlights of the day was the “Seven Offerings for the Prosperity of the Land” ceremony, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual led by Lama Pasang Gurung. In an inspiring display of unity, seven representatives from prominent Staten Island institutions took part in this sacred ceremony. Each participant made a water offering, symbolizing healing, fortune, and environmental harmony. Representing a diverse cross-section of the Staten Island community, these seven leaders included:

  • Ciro Galeano, Executive Director of the Noble Maritime Collection

  • Melissa West, Executive Director of the Newhouse Center of Contemporary Art

  • Victoria Munro, Executive Director of the Alice Austen House Museum

  • Jessica Phillips, Executive Director of Historic Richmond Town

  • Edwina Martin, Commissioner and Public Administrator

  • Dr. Peg Harrington, Board Member of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

  • Alice Kandell, Philanthropist and renowned collector of Tibetan Art

The ceremony, guided by Lama Pasang and Tashi Chódron, invited these seven leaders to offer prayers and blessings on behalf of their institutions and the community. Each water bowl, representing an offering of compassion and intention, contributed to the ceremony’s atmosphere of peace and unity.



from the left Melissa West, Jessica Phillips, Tashi Chodron, Ciro Galeano, Peg Harrington, Edwina Martin, Nico Simoni


Victoria Munro
Ciro Galeano
Lama Pasang Gurung and Tashi Chodron
Nico Simoni, Lama Pasang Gurung, Tashi Chodron

The ceremony concluded on a tranquil note with a final blessing and mantra chanting led by Lama Pasang. As his voice filled the space, guests joined in meditation, reflecting on the day's messages of peace, compassion, and gratitude.


02 Mantra Of Blessing


Raising Prayer Flags and Sharing Intentions

Following the Seven Offerings ceremony, participants gathered outdoors to raise traditional Tibetan prayer flags, joining Lama Pasang in dedicating their hopes and prayers to loved ones, world peace, and personal intentions. Each flag, inscribed with mantras and sacred symbols, is believed to carry blessings on the wind, sending positive energy out into the world. The collective act of raising the flags created a beautiful moment of connection and shared purpose.


A Taste of the Himalayas: Momo-Making Workshop

The cultural immersion continued with a momo-making demonstration by the Himalayan Pantry Ladies and the Momo Maven. Attendees watched as the experts shared tips for creating these savory dumplings, a favorite comfort food throughout the Himalayas.


 

Honoring Tibetan Resilience: The Tibetan Resettlement Project Panel


Nico Simoni, Tashi Chódron, Alice Kandell, Rinchen Dharlo, Yanki Tshering, Laurie Cumbo.
Richen Dharlo, Yanki Tshering



One of the most profound moments of the day was the panel discussion on the Tibetan Resettlement Project, which highlighted the resilience, strength, and unity of the Tibetan community. Moderated by Yanki Tshering, founder and Executive Director of Accompany Capital, the panel included distinguished speakers who have each made significant contributions to Tibetan resettlement and cultural preservation. We were especially grateful and honored by the presence of Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo, whose attendance underscored the importance of these cultural initiatives and provided invaluable support to our program.

The panel featured Rinchen Dharlo, former President of the Tibet Fund, who shared his experiences coordinating relief efforts and community programs for Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal. Dharlo’s reflections shed light on the collaborative efforts that have been essential to the successful resettlement of Tibetan families in the United States.

Alice Kandell, a philanthropist and respected collector of Himalayan art, spoke about her dedication to preserving Tibetan cultural heritage. Through her donations to institutions like the Smithsonian, Kandell has worked tirelessly to share Tibetan art and spiritual artifacts with a broader audience, ensuring these cultural treasures endure for future generations.

Tashi Chodron, Himalayan Programs Ambassador at the Rubin Museum, offered insights into the integration of Tibetan traditions within a modern American context. Her personal journey underscored the role of spiritual practices in fostering cultural continuity and community support, especially for those seeking to maintain their heritage in a new country.

The session became an impactful reminder of the collective power of community and cultural resilience. Attendees engaged in a lively Q&A, gaining new perspectives on the success of the Tibetan Resettlement Project and the importance of ongoing support for Tibetan culture and identity. The session left all of us with a deep sense of gratitude and unity, as we celebrated the enduring strength of the Tibetan people and the ongoing work of cultural preservation.







This special program was made possible with the support of the New York City Council Cultural Immigrant Initiative and Council Members David Carr and Joseph Borelli. Their support enables the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art to continue its mission of celebrating and preserving Tibetan culture, offering events like this that bring together art, spirituality, and community. Through the collective efforts of Staten Island institutions, Tibetan traditions and values were honored, bringing blessings to the museum’s guests and extending compassion to the world beyond.






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