On Saturday, March 9, Prana (MSIA’s headquarters) hosted a luncheon and labyrinth walk for a group of thirteen Tibetan monks visiting from India. For the monks, the visit was part of their tour of the United States. For Prana staff and residents, the visit was another opportunity to share love and Light, and open the home of the Traveler to the public.

Prior to the arrival of the monks, Prana residents and staff prepared the food which the monks would be eating for lunch and put beautiful flower arrangements around the dining area.

As part of their discipline, the monks travel relying on sponsors for their care, lodging, and food while abroad. The Good Works Foundation, with the support of the MSIA Presidency, sponsored the monks’ visit to Prana. Their visit was part of a full agenda, including evening performances of Tibetan chanting and creating sand mandalas in downtown Los Angeles.

The monks arrived at Prana shortly before noon, and were greeted by MSIA President Paul Kaye along with representatives of the Prana Administration team, Carol Jones and Kevin McMillan. Paul welcomed the monks to Prana, and invited them to enjoy and bless our home. One of the monks, named Donye, served as translator for the group, conveying Paul’s welcome and responding in kind.

Kevin and Carol then led the monks on a short tour of the foyer and seminar rooms on the first floor, sharing about the history of the house as well as how it is used now, and how we blessed we have been to have John-Roger and John Morton here so often giving seminars and blessings.

The monks, staff, and residents gathered in a circle in the large seminar room to call in the Light together before lunch. Paul called in the Light, invoking a blessing of brotherhood, and introduced the monks to chanting “Ani Hu.” The monks then reciprocated in kind, and shared one of their chants with us. The monks of Gyuto have perfected a special type of chant in which each monk sings not a single note but an entire chord.

Carol then invited the monks to begin helping themselves to the lunch buffet, spread beautifully on the rotunda overlooking the Prana courtyard and meditation pool. The food was festooned with garnishes and surrounded by exquisite flowers, arranged with chopsticks for an added Asian touch. Lunch was a beautiful spread of delectables prepared by Prana staff and residents–for the main course, melt-in-your-mouth Ch