Lung-ta : Windhorse - Prayer flag for positive energy and transformation

Join the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art for a special workshop, “ Lung-ta : Windhorse - Prayer flag for positive energy and transformation’ on May 11th from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Embark on a journey of creativity and mindfulness through the creation of Lung-ta prayer flags. Lung-ta, or Windhorse, symbolizes Peace, Prosperity, and Healing within oneself and the World. Inspired by the profound tradition of Buddhist prayer flags showcased in an installation by artist Asha Kama Wangdi of Vast Bhutan at the Rubin Museum of Art’s ‘Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now’ exhibition, this workshop will immerse attendees in the beauty and symbolism of these flags. They are honored to have artist Chimi Zangmo from Vast Bhutan, a valued member of Asha Karma Wangdi’s team, and Tashi Chodron, the Rubin Museum’s Himalayan Programs and Communities Ambassador, who will share their insights and wisdom on the spiritual significance of prayer flags.

All attendees will engage by sharing their prayers, hopes and wishes on a card. Both of the artists will be on hand to share the meaning and symbolism of Prayer flag.
Contribute your own prayers, wishes and hopes and learn about the symbolism of prayer flags, participants can take home a blessed prayer flag to usher in good health, prosperity and transformation.

Hanging prayer flags is believed to bring forth good luck and blessings. It is believed that when a prayer flag is blown by the wind, the prayers purify the environment and help bring peace and healing to the world.

Additionally, you will explore the profound connection of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue collection, enhancing our understanding of Buddhist art and culture.
The workshop will conclude with a 20-minute guided meditation session led by Tashi Chodron, exploring different practices such as mantra, mudra, and mindfulness, deepening your connection to the practice and the symbolism.

About the Guest:
Ms. Chimi Zangmo has experience in four sectors within the two decades of her career. She chose to be part of the civil service in the year 2001 and gained nine years experience understanding and implementing indirect tax policies under the Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance.
By the year 2010, she ventured into the corporate world, taking new responsibility as the first appointed Media & Public Relations Supervisor for the Druk Holding & Investments – the sovereign national wealth creation entity of the country.
She is the CEO and founder of DORJI Elements- a boutique hotel in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu and along with her husband initiated, Drukpro Bhutan, a social enterprise promoting the expressions of creative people through functional & aesthetically designed products.
The way she lives her life was deeply shaped after crossing paths during her teenage years with VAST Bhutan- a 25 years old Civil Society Organization providing artists and youth opportunities to develop artistic talents and explore art as both a vocation and vehicle for community service and ultimately self discovery. She served as a voluntary Executive Director of VAST Bhutan from 2016 till 2022. During her tenure, besides strengthening the governance of VAST Bhutan, she over saw the administration and financial management of the Paro International Airport Gallery project. The “BhutanArt Gallery” at the Paro International Airport was the vision of His Majesty the Fifth King to touch people’s lives through Art. She also raised fund for VAST Bhutan’s projects and programs and saved fund from these projects to establish the “Art Endowment Fund,” the first one in the country.
Just before the end of her of tenure, she was the Exhibition Director for the “Healing with Happiness” Brussels exhibition, representing overseas the largest number of works of Bhutanese contemporary artists to date.
She continues to serve the artist community and specially the youth in her current capacity as the Chair of VAST Bhutan.
She loves dancing, painting, and trekking with Trekkers 360°

Tashi Chodron is a lay Buddhist practitioner. She is one of the first women of her generation in exile to receive the entire teachings of the Vajrayana path directly from HH Penor Rinpoche (one of the greatest masters of the 20th century) including Ngondro—preliminary teachings, Tsalung and Dzogchen, the pinnacle teachings of the Great Perfection.
As the Himalayan Programs and Communities Ambassador at the Rubin Museum of Art, Tashi has taught a series of sold out Awakening Practice mindful meditation classes on selected Saturdays along with guest teachers, and educates university students and adults through gallery tours and classes on Himalayan Art and Culture. She taught the Awakening Practice at Kripalu in partnership with NY Yoga and Life Magazine for many years and taught Awakening Wisdom Experience at Asia Society, Williams College. Tashi curated sold out monthly program on Himalayan Art and Culture called “Himalayan Heritage” at the Rubin Museum of Art. During the Pandemic She also lead virtual sessions with Tibet House New York, the Center for Adults Living Well @ the YMCA, and hosted virtual meditation sessions for Himalayan children since the pandemic to help Parents and Children and led a meditation session on the 21 Feminine Attributes for UN Women’s USA.
Tashi helped raise funds for Heifer project founded by President Jimmy Carter for sustainable living for Tibetans in Tibet. Recipient of gold star award from American Himalayan Foundation for tirelessly sharing and preserving Tibetan Culture Heritage. Tashi was Recently awarded a citation of honor by Queens President Donovan Richards Jr. for her tireless contribution to the New York Community.