Published by: World Tibet Network News, Thursday, May 2, 1996

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BUDDHIST MONKS PERFORM CEREMONY FOR

HEALTH AND LONGEVITY

Contact: Kaj Kangas (416)653-6394

The Tibetan Buddhist monks of Seraje Monastery will perform Healing Ceremonies of the Medicine Buddha, at the University of Toronto's Convocation Hall, at 8 PM, on Saturday, June 1st, 1996.

This special ritual was highly regarded in Tibet for its power to bring good health, long life, peace and happiness - particularly in difficult times such as those in which we are currently living.

The ceremony centers on eight Tathagatas, or Transcendent Buddhas, who dissolve into one another to form the lapis lazuli colored Medecine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru in Sanskrit, Sangye Menla in Tibetan). The medecine Buddha radiates the wisdom and compassion of the Transcendent Buddhas in the form of healing medecine for the benefit of all ailing beings.

The eight Transcendent Buddhas were once living beings who expressed their compassion through specific prayers that the world be free of sickness, war, famine and evil forces. They promised to always be available to actualize these prayers in future difficult and degenerate times.

During the ceremony the eight Transcendent Buddhas are visualized within their celestial abode or mandala, surrounded by a splendid entourage of yogic heros and heroines, protectors and worldly deities. Through the ritual expression of homage, offerings and supplication, we request the Buddhas to fulfill their prayers for the health, prosperity, peace and happiness of the world. The blessings of good health, freedom from illness, long life and future happiness are thus bestowed on all sentient beings, as well as those in attendance.

Tickets for the ceremony will be available at the door or through Ticketmaster. The cost is $18. This is a fundraising event for Seraje Monastery.

For further information, photographs or to arrange an interview or videotaping session with the monks and their translator, who is a Tibetan Buddhist nun, contact Kaj Kangas at the number listed above. Visit the monks' web site at: http://www.io.org/~gaden/SeraJeTour/Sera_Je.html

Submitted by: Dan Sargeant