Tibetan monks return to Veterans Inc. in Shrewsbury

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Tibetan monks return to Veterans Inc. in Shrewsbury
Monks carefully create the mandala at the First Parish Church Unitarian Universalist of Northborough last November.

Shrewsbury – Veterans Inc. has announced that eight Tibetan Buddhist monks returned March 12 to Veterans Inc.'s Independence Hall facility at 59 South St., in Shrewsbury; they will remain for a three-week session until Friday, March 30. The session will include mandala construction, art demonstrations, music demonstrations, Tibetan medical assessments, divination meetings and individual meetings with the Geshe (translated “virtuous friend”).
During this special extended session, the monks are building a one-of-a-kind mandala that will be an oversized version and, most importantly, will not be destroyed in a closing ceremony, but become a permanent exhibit at Veterans Inc. The mandala, which is an intricate work of art made from colored sand crystals, is both a physical work of art and a deeply spiritual activity. The construction of the mandala has started and will be in process each day of the week and open to the public.

Lt. Col. Vincent Perrone is the Veterans Inc. president/CEO.

“We are extremely thrilled to host a group whose extraordinary talents and devotion will be on exhibit for all of the community to view,” he said.
The session will be a special one for both the veterans in residence at the facility as well as for all members of the community. The staff emphasized that all events, including daily viewings of work on the mandala, are open to the public.

Denis Leary is the executive director of Veterans Inc.
“This will truly be the rarest of occasions,” he said. “…the treasured art of Tibetan sand mandala painting is a sight to behold. It's a very special honor and a unique experience for Veterans Inc. to be hosting. We encourage everyone to stop by.”
Other events such as dharma talks and chanting will take place throughout the week, along with traditional Tibetan medical consultations and divination sessions available by appointment.
Tibetan arts and crafts will be on display and for sale – all proceeds will benefit the monks” monastery center, which assists hundreds of refugees each year. All events are free with the exception of private medical consultations and divinations, which cost $50 for a 30-minute session and can be scheduled in advance. For more information or to make an appointment, call 508-845-6176.
For more information about the monks” visit or to learn more about Veterans Inc. go to www.veteransinc.org or contact Public Relations Manager Amanda Riik at 800-482-2565, ext. 123.

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