It’s not often I get notices with the words “butter sculpture” included. Now, when I think butter sculpture I think Wisconsin State Fair butter sculpture. Apparently though Tibetans have been doing butter sculptures a lot longer than North Americans. And they use Yak butter so clearly they win.

Since Yak butter is not readily available in Louisville the monks visiting Rainbow Blossom’s Highlands location this Friday will be using clay for their sculptures though.

Rainbow Blossom Natural Food Markets will be hosting visiting Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery of Southern India as they offer Prayers for Prosperity and World Peace at the newly opened Highlands market – 3046 Bardstown Road, in the Gardiner Lane Shopping Center – at 6:00 PM on Friday, October 9, 2009.  Immediately following the Blessing, the Monks will be holding an interactive “Butter” Sculpture workshop at 7:00 PM. Various crafts and gifts – handmade by the monks and the Tibetan refugees they support – for sale throughout the events.

The primary purpose of the “offering” – Puja in Sanskrit – is to overcome negativities that may be obstacles in obtaining release from suffering, and to promote spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.  During the blessing, led by tour leader, Geshe Lobzang Samdup, and the monks recite powerful prayers for peace, prosperity and healing in the traditional overtone chanting, each monk singing a full chord of three notes. The prayers will be accompanied by delicate hand gestures, cymbals, drums, horns and flutes.

Butter sculpture is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist art. Although not as well known as another Tibetan ritual art, the sand mandala, Butter sculpting is still an important aspect of Tibetan Buddhism in its own right.  The sculptures symbolize impermanence – a main tenet of Buddhism – along with more ritualistic components, and are usually destroyed in anywhere from a day to a few years.  Traditionally made with yak butter, the monks and those attending the workshop will use playdough to create colorful shapes and patterns, such as flowers, jewels and animals.  Once dried, the sculptures will retain their color and beauty for years to come, and can be used as household decorations or gifts.  Appropriate for children – and adults – 5 and up, a donation of $10 is suggested for attending the workshop.

Throughout the both events visitors will also be able to purchase unique items the monks will be offering for sale – including jewelry, shawls, gemstone beads, household items, and other objects created by the Monks and the displaced Tibetans who live at the Monastery.