Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia - World Peace Tour
Tibetan Association of Philadelphia
November 17-22, 2026 · Free / by donation
At a glance
Dates
November 17-22, 2026
Status
Scheduled
Welcome
Sera Jey Lawa Khangtsen World Peace Tour — Philadelphia Stop
Hosted by the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia
The monks of Lawa Khangtsen, Sera Jey Monastery, arrive in Philadelphia as guests of the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia — a community organization that has long served as the heart of Tibetan cultural and spiritual life in the region. This stop carries a special resonance: it is both a community gathering for the local Tibetan diaspora and an open invitation to Philadelphians of all backgrounds to encounter living Tibetan Buddhist practice.
About This Stop
The Tibetan Association of Philadelphia has spent years nurturing Tibetan identity and culture far from the homeland — through language classes, Buddhist teachings, Losar celebrations, Uprising Day rallies, and acts of community service. The arrival of monks from Sera Jey Monastery deepens that work, bringing the living tradition of practice, sacred art, and contemplative dialogue directly into the community.
Programs offered by the monks during this stop will be announced as the tour schedule is finalized. Past tour stops have included sacred arts residencies, teachings on inner peace and compassion, workshops on reconciliation and nonviolence, community dialogue, and ceremonial offerings. All programs are free and open to the public — Tibetan community members and newcomers alike.
Typical program rhythm
The exact schedule can be adapted to fit the needs, vision, and rhythm of each host venue.
| Day | Time | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
| Opening day | Morning / afternoon | Opening blessings, protector prayers, introductory remarks, Lama Dance, Sacred Music, and the start of the sand mandala |
| Each day | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Mandala construction — public welcome to observe |
| Selected evenings | 6:30 – 8:30 PM | "Becoming a Peacemaker" talks or meditation instruction |
| Final day | Late afternoon | Closing Ceremony, Mandala Dissolution, and Walk for Peace — blessed sand offered to a local waterway |
Ceremony schedule
Opening ceremony
Opening blessings, protector prayers, Lama Dance, Sacred Music, and the start of the sand mandala
Daily mandala creation
Public viewing 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closing Ceremony, Mandala Dissolution & Walk for Peace
Late-afternoon closing; blessed sand offered to a local waterway
Talk titles
- Becoming a Peacemaker / meditation evenings — Ven. Tashi Lama
Cost and donation guidance
All public events are free; donations are gratefully accepted and support the monks of Lawa Khangtsen and the tour. Suggested donations for closing ceremonies and public talks: $10–$25 per person — more if you can, less if you can't.
Registration
Registration links for talks, school visits, and private blessings will be posted by the host organization when available.
Host organization
Tibetan Association of Philadelphia
A nonprofit serving the greater Philadelphia Tibetan community through cultural preservation, education, youth programs, and community development.
1036 Green Street · Norristown, PA · 19401
Host websitePhotography and recording
Still photography without flash is welcome during public creation hours unless otherwise noted. Please refrain from photography during closing ceremonies.
What a first-time visitor should expect
You can come and go. You can sit on a chair or on a cushion. You do not have to bow. You do not have to be Buddhist. The monks may work in silence much of the day; quiet conversation around the edges is welcome.
Learn: I'm new — what to expectRelated events at this stop
- Opening ceremony — Opening blessings, protector prayers, Lama Dance, Sacred Music, and the start of the sand mandala
- Daily mandala creation — Public viewing 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Becoming a Peacemaker / meditation evenings
- Closing Ceremony, Mandala Dissolution & Walk for Peace — Late-afternoon closing; blessed sand offered to a local waterway
Support this stop
Sponsor this stop, the mandala, a meal day, or volunteer during public hours.