At 9 am (MDT) today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, concluded the 2011 Kalachakra for World Peace ceremony in Washington DC. But, as always, the Kalachakra is MORE... it is deeply personal, and especially this year, as it also commemorated HHDL's 76 birthday, and included the annual worldwide Dharma Day. Truly an auspicious occasion! Here is the poster, which links to some of the images and videos from the 11 day event. 
Thousands gathered for this most memorable event and nearly $6 Million was raised. HHDL and his foundation do not seek financial profit, so after expenses almost two million dollars will be donated to causes that benefit world peace. HHDL was enroute this morning to meet with President Obama at the White House. And, here is the mandala described in the link above. 
And, despite how beautiful it is, made of sand and created laboriously by monks during the ceremony, at the end it is simply brushed away... like everything, impermanent. The sand is dumped into nearby water. In this case, the Potomac River, because like everything, the essence remains and the perfect peace of Kalachakra flows with it out into the everyday world. "May it be of benefit," said HHDL as he concluded the ceremony to thunderous applause. Yes, may it.
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At least two members our our local Rigdzin Sangha attended the event in Washington. CJ and Maxx! I hope when they return they will write something, if not I will another comment summarizing their thoughts and feelings. Imagine spending over 10 days with HHDL! Jeff did back in 2001 (ten years ago) working as a volunteer at the Sun Valley event. He brought me a Kata blessed by HHDL. It remains on my shrine, to be sent off with me, when that time comes.
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