Phoenicia, NY
Becoming Peacemakers: A Tibetan Sacred Arts Retreat
Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa
December 2-6, 2026 · Free / by donation
At a glance
Dates
December 2-6, 2026
Status
Scheduled
Welcome
Join six Tibetan Buddhist monks from Sera Jey Monastery for a five-day journey into the heart of peace, centered on the creation and ceremonial dissolution of a sacred sand mandala.
The retreat includes chanting, silent meditation, traditional dance, peace circles, dialogue, teachings, a screening of Mission: Joy, and a closing empowerment ceremony. Participants will explore how inner transformation becomes compassionate action through the Five Buddha Families, the Twelve Steps of Liberation, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.
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
Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa
A Catskills retreat center and wellness destination that is a project of Tibet House US.
375 Pantherkill Road · Phoenicia, NY · 12464
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.