Asia Society in partnership with Shambhala Meditation Center is pleased to co-host a group of Bhutanese monks from the Thimphu Tashi Chodzong monastery in the capital of Bhutan . Taking place in New York City from July 27 through August 1, this unprecendented series of programs includes a special dance performance at Asia Society on July 29. At Shambhala Meditation Center , a sacred sand mandala will be created throughout the six-day period with the intention of bringing forth peace and protection for the city of New York ; opening ceremony will be held on July 27. Lectures and teachings by His Holiness Dorji Lopen Rinpoche and Monk Tsipe Lopen will also be presented at Shambhala Meditation Center . The American visit of the monks of Bhutan from the Thimphu Tashi Chodzong monastery has been organized by the Drukpa Mila Center ; special events are being produced by Golden Sun Foundation for World Culture.

Located in the heart of the Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is currently one of the last sovereign Buddhist kingdoms. Retaining the esoteric form of Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion, the people of Bhutan have held fast to Buddhist traditions in their religious and secular lives. This is the first time a group of highly accomplished monks from Bhutan have been granted permission to travel and teach in the West in this manner. Among the honorable guests are: His Holiness Ngawang Tenzin Rinpoche (also known as Dorji Lopen Rinpoche), the highest reincarnated living Buddhist lama in Bhutan; Tsipe Lopen, a venerable astrologer; and Lama Karma, a highly trained lama dance master.