All the way from the Himalayas to Leeds: Tibetan Monks make five day visit to Harewood House

A group of Tibetan monks is holding a five day celebration at Harewood House in Leeds giving an insight into their culture.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2018, 17:06 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2018, 18:52 BST
Tibeten Monks play the Longhorn at a series of events at Harewood House.Tibeten Monks play the Longhorn at a series of events at Harewood House.
Tibeten Monks play the Longhorn at a series of events at Harewood House.

The visit is part of a five-month UK journey marking 60 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Tibet.

However, the monks have a special and longstanding relationship with the Leeds stately home and estate following the current eighth Earl’s visit to Bhutan in 2002 and it has a unique ‘enlightenment Stupa’, built in 2004 by monks from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

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David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood said: “I’m delighted Harewood is hosting a visit from the monks of Tashi Lhunpo.

Visitors to Leeds' Harewood House will get a rare insight into the Himalayan culture.Visitors to Leeds' Harewood House will get a rare insight into the Himalayan culture.
Visitors to Leeds' Harewood House will get a rare insight into the Himalayan culture.

“Since the building of the Harewood Stupa we’ve been lucky enough to welcome many distinguished Lamas from India, Tibet and Nepal. “This is a special year for all Tibetans – 60 years since the Dalai Lama had to leave his home land for India, followed by many thousands of refugees and we hope that visitors will enjoy celebrating and helping to keep alive their unique and very special culture.”

On the first day of the visit on Saturday, eight monks constructed a Sand Mandala in The Stables of The Courtyard.

It was an intricate picture, made entirely of grains of coloured sand, which was blessed before it is swept away on Thursday into the Himalayan Gardens at the base of the Stupa or Bhuddist Temple - the only one of its kind in the UK.

The visit will also see a series of performances and workshops throughout this week which the public are invited to attend.

Related topics:Dalai LamaLeedsHarewood HouseDavid LascellesEarl of Harewood