In 1959, at the age of four, Sonam Dhargye escaped from Tibet. At the age of 14 he entered the Gyuto Tantric Monastery and as a young monk he was recognized for his extraordinary talents in the ritual arts. In 1966 Dhargye was honored to be selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the youngest chant master in the history of the Gyuto Monastery, which was founded in the 15th century. Later he mastered the other tantric rituals of sand painting and butter sculpture.
In the 1980’s and 90’s he was part of a religious arts tour titled Sacred Music, Sacred Dance sharing the stage with Philip Glass, Paul Simon, Patti Smith and many others.
Currently as religious assistant to his mentor, Gelek Rimpoche, Sonam Dhargye continues to offer his talents and skills in preparing and conducting ceremonies and ritual workshops in Gelek Rimpoche’s Jewel Heart Centers around the world. He currently lives in Chicago.
Sonam Dhargye will be demonstrating ritual practices at Jewel Heart New York.
Please join us for one or more of these rare workshops.
1. Guided Tour of the Rubin Museum
June 10 – 6PM
Sonam will walk through the museum with us giving his knowledgeable perspective on the exhibits including:
Masterworks: Jewels of the Collection showcases some of the finest works of art from the museum’s collection while highlighting the stylistic diversity and relationships between different strands of Himalayan and neighboring cultural and artistic traditions.
After the tour we plan to spend some time together in the museum’s café.
The museum is free that evening. A donation to Sonam would be appreciated.
Please RSVP to [email protected]
2. Fire Puja Workshop
Location, Jewel Heart NY
June 11, 10AM – 12PM, 2 – 5PM
(Open only to those with Vajrayana Initiation)
This is a rare opportunity to learn how to do a fire puja. Please bring bell, vajra, vase (if you have it) and uncooked rice.
Suggested Donation $50.
3. Mudra and Mandala Offering Workshop
Location, Jewel Heart NY
June 13, 7PM – 9PM
(Open to all)
Learn from a demonstration of these basic ritual practices. Please bring bell, vajra and mandala with enough rice or barley to fill the mandala.
Suggested Donation — $25
4. Torma Making Workshop
Location, Jewel Heart NY
June 14, 7PM – 9PM
(Open to all)
Sonam will demonstrate the art of making offering tormas by creating a Lama Chopa torma.
Please bring Play Dough
Suggested Donation: $25
Please note suggested donations are suggestions, you are welcome to give what you can. Funds collected are used to defray the costs of Sonam’s travel expenses and an offering for his services.
Sonam will also be making tormas for your personal use.
Please email Christine Wright with your order at: [email protected]
Yamantaka or Vajrayogini tormas: $100 each
Cittamani, White Tara, or Lama Chopa tormas: $65 each
Looking forward to seeing you at one of these events!