Blessings of Peace and Happiness such as those often given by the Dalai Lama, and wonderful classical guitar music comparable to the best Spanish guitarists will be offered to the residents of James Bay on May 25th at the New Horizons Centre. Everyone is invited! What is the occasion? Veda Mata, previously known as Dorothy Skene, a long time resident and long past James Bay Resources Board member, wants to celebrate her birthday with the community. She is using the occasion to introduce her friends to Lopon Sang-ngag and Richard Roy and their work to Victoria. The blessings, sent from H. H. Ganteng Tulku Rinpoche of Bhutan, will be bestowed by Lopon Sang-ngag Yeshe, an instructor of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition which teaches the training of the mind to overcome suffering. Anyone interested?

This particular blessing is very popular in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet and is often offered by the Dalai Lama to his people. Lopon (as he prefers to be called), a very accomplished Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and teacher, is the head instructor of a monastery in Bhutan. He has been in Victoria for the past year and a half presiding over the Yeshe Korlo Centre on Foul Bay Avenue. Few people know that he is an adept teacher of meditation promoting both inner and outer peace. Veda has decided it is time for Lopon to meet some of the friendly people of James Bay and share some of his gifts with us. He, too, is a very friendly and humorous person with much to bring to us from his culture. Many people have commented that their lives have changed for the better after having received blessings such as those he is going to bestow on us at the birthday party!

In the spirit of offering a mutual cultural exchange, Richard Roy, composer, performer, and music teacher, will play some of his compositions on classical guitar for a delightful introduction of his work. He is composing a song for Lopon and will give its debut performance at the party. Richard is owner and director of the Richard Roy School of Classical Guitar and teaches out of the James Bay United Church on Fridays. The evening will conclude with more music and refreshments including tea, coffee, and birthday cake. There will be a silent auction of a Tibetan Thangka (a special type of sacred Tibetan painting) and lots of door prizes. The party will start at 7 p.m. and children are very welcome. A $10 donation is being taken at the door for all who are willing and if not, anything will do as proceeds will go towards Lopon’s immigration costs and furthering Tibetan Buddhism in the West. If you are a fan of the Dalai Lama’s message of Peace and Global Harmony, a music lover, or just interested in sharing good times with good people, come join Veda and here friends May 25th at 234 Menzies Street for an evening of compassionate action and fun.In December of 2003 a bronze maquette depicting Emily Carr and her creatures was unveiled in the drawing room of her childhood home on Government Street. It has been on public display at various locations around Victoria, but now it has been purchased and will stay at Carr House permanently.