Dharma Festival 2015

The Dharma Festival at Gaunts House is a five day celebration of the ancient sacred cultures of Tibet and South India, happening over five days from Wednesday 15th until Sunday 19th July 2015 at the tranquil Dorset country house setting of Gaunts House, near Wimborne, in Dorset.

For the first time in the UK the intricate arts of the Tibetan Tantric Sand Mandala and the sacred powder art painting of the Kathakali tradition of Kerala in South India are brought together, each growing throughout the festival and each ritually destroyed at their completion: a fascinating linking of two ancient cultures.  

There will be workshops and performances by Tibetan Monks and Kathakali masters, as well as a series of talks by renowned Buddhist teacher Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.  There will be singing bowl workshops, film showings, opportunities to try Kum Nye Yoga and natural therapies and healing sessions throughout the five days.

Line-up

Tashi Lhunpo Monks, Kala Chetena Kathakali Company, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, and Frank Perry (Singing Bowls).

Tickets

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Ticket prices start at £40 for a day ticket and increase to £300 for full board for four days. Children tickets are also available.

More info

On Wednesday 15th July the festival opens at 3.30pm, with the start of the Tibetan Sand Mandala and a public talk by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche. On Thursday and Friday Kathakali artists are holding workshops on drumming and dance, while it is possible to watch the extraordinary three-dimensional make-up of the dancers being applied. There will be performances of the Kathakali sacred dramas on Thursday and Friday evening, and the construction of the Kalamuzhutu powder painting will continue throughout the festival.

Tashi Lhunpo Monks will construct the Chenrezig Sand Mandala throughout the four days, and holding workshops on Tibetan monastic arts and an introduction to the Cham Dance - sacred masked dance of the Tibetan New Year festival - and sacred music of a Tibetan monastery. Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will be giving six sessions of teachings which will be accessible to all.

On Saturday evening, the Tibetan monks offer a performance of their masked dance and sacred chant and music. On the final day, Sunday 19th July, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche gives a Chenrezig empowerment (blessing on compassion) after which the ritual destruction of the Sand Mandala will take place, and the day will end at around 4pm.

The scheduling will be such that you will be able to attend events as you choose or take time out to relax, enjoy the beautiful grounds or have a swim in the swimming pool in the garden.

This is a small festival, and will be limited to around 300 people

Accommodation

A limited number of beds in dorm rooms and full meals are offered in the house for anyone who does not wish to camp. Please call Gaunts House to reserve - 01202 841522. There are various accommodation options in nearby Wimborne Minster.

Camping

Camping is available in the grounds close to the house, where there is a camping block of showers and toilets. You can either self cater or take advantage of the catering provided by Gaunts House by booking in advance through the box office website.

Food and merchandise

Beggars' Banquet Cafe will be at the Festival for those who are not on the full board option in the house, and there is a coffee shop for soft drinks and light refreshments. Alcohol is not on sale on site.

Supplies can be bought in Wimborne, 3 miles away from Gaunts.

Tibetan handicrafts, incense, singing bowls, books and other items are available to buy from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery UK Trust. Books by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will be available through Bodhicharya Publishing Group and Rigul Trust, including Rinpoche’s commentary Chenrezig, the Practice of Compassion, and books and DVDs of the Kala Chetena Kathakali Company.

Children

The grounds are suitable for accompanied children of all ages. Special events are planned for Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th, but the workshops run by Tashi Lhunpo Monks and Kathakali artists are suitable for all ages.

More information will be here when available.

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Dharma Festival 2015
festival details

last updated: Wed 3rd Jun 2015