A Dance of the Spirit

Thank you for the excellent article by Chris Pasles on the Tibetan Buddhist monks from Namgyal Monastery (“Tibetan Monks to Dance a Protest of Brutality at Home,” July 17). It is unfortunate, however, that the headline misrepresents the monks’ motivation for performing their ritual dances at UCLA and on their forthcoming U.S. tour.

As the article itself indicates, Tibetan Buddhist rituals are spiritual activities performed to eliminate negative states of mind and to generate happiness and peace. These dances are not performed as a form of political protest.

ROBYN BRENTANO

Program Director, Performing Arts

Tibet House

New York City