WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER

1000-1030      Dedication Ceremony of the sand mandala, and start of the construction.

1400-1500      Hands-on workshop.  Come and meet the monks and try sand mandala

                     making, prayer flag printing, butter sculpture and Tibetan calligraphy.

1700              Assembly Rooms close

THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER

1000-1700       Viewing of sand mandala construction

1400-1500       Hands-on workshop.

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER

1000-1700      Viewing of sand mandala construction

1400-1500      Hands-on workshop

1930-2130      Monastery supper.    Hear about life in the Tibetan monastery, and eat a

                     meal prepared and served by the monks.

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER

1000-1700      Viewing of sand mandala construction

1400-1530      Performance workshop:  A presentation of the background to the

                     monastery and to the monks' majestic masked dances, with an

                     opportunity to learn some of the dance steps.  There will be an

                     explanation of the art of dialectical debate and the chance to learn

                     some of the mudras from a Tantric prayer.  This workshop is open to

                     all, but will be of particular interest to anyone attending the performance

                     the following evening, and is suitable for all ages.

SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER

1000-1130      Viewing of the completed mandala

1130-1230      The destruction ceremony of the mandala.  The final stage of the beautiful

                     sand mandala is a moving ceremony during which the monks dedicate the

                     mandala for the good of all sentient beings, and release the deities to

                     return to their own realms.  The sand is swept up symbolising

                     the impermanence of all things, and some is poured into running water

                     to spread its blessings as far as possible.  People attending the ceremony

                     can take small bags of sand away with them.

1930-2130      Performance:  "The Power of Compassion"  An exciting, dramatic and

                     entertaining presentation of the music and dance of a Tibetan Monastery.

Times and contents of the programme are subject to change, so please keep checking on the website or by calling 01458 831800, where you can also book tickets for the workshops, films and events.  Prices of tickets are available on the tickets page.  You can also get information by e-mailing office@speakingtree.co.uk, or by visiting The Speaking Tree, 5 High Street, Glastonbury BA6 9DP.