Linking the Interrelated Arts with Buddhism Brings New Ways of Expression To A Hidden Corner of the World

Potomac Community Village's May 19 meeting showcases the impact of the arts - music, drama, dance and the visual arts - combining with Buddhist teachings. In her talk, "Communicating Through the Language of the Arts – in the Himalayas," Nancy Nahm Kessler, a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, and retired from 22 years of teaching in the Montgomery County School System, tells us how she brought her teaching expertise and knowledge of the visual arts to Tibetan nuns in Northern India, giving them a new way of expressing the world around them.

A student of Buddhism, Ms. Kessler reflects the teaching and writing of renowned Tibetan philosopher, Thich Nhat Hanh, nominated by Dr. Martin Luther King for the Nobel Peace Prize for his peacemaking activity in Vietnam. She takes the PCV audience along on her deeply moving visits to Nepal, Tibet, China and India, staying in ashrams and monasteries. Through her yoga pursuit, Ms. Kessler connected with a philanthropic effort to help young Tibetan refugee women resettle in Northern Indian monasteries.

"I saw how the supportive, loving and secure environment of the monastery brought structure and stability to their war-torn lives and educational opportunities previously denied them, " she said. "I was able to adapt my experience of the American approach to art education to teach the Tibetan nuns basic skills and language, enhancing their communication," she explains.

PCV's May 19th meeting takes place from 7-9 pm at The Bolger Center's Franklin Building, 9800 Newbridge Drive, Potomac. Please use Parking Lot #1.

Potomac Community Village is a non-profit member network of neighbors and friends geared to enhancing the quality of life for older Potomac residents by creating social connections and providing services such as transportation, computer assistance and simple home repairs. For more information, to volunteer or to get volunteer help, contact 240-221-1370, info@PotomacCommunityVillage.org or check out www.PotomacCommunityVillage.org or www.facebook.com/PotomacCommunityVillage.