Since studying painting and Sanskrit at Yale, Martin Mosko ’66 went on to found a landscape design firm based on the mindful approach gained from apprenticing with Japanese master gardeners. Becoming a Zen monk and heir to the lineage of Tenzan Keibun Otokawa Roshi, he also trained in Tibetan Buddhism with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The artistry and technique of his award-winning Marpa designs align with his practice as abbot of the Hakubai Temple in Boulder. Featured in publications such as Tricycle, Buddhist Review, and The Sun, Martin travels extensively lecturing on both garden design and meditation. The 2018 publication of his book, co-authored with his wife, writer and photographer Axle Noden, The Sound of Cherry Blossoms. Zen Lessons from the Garden on Contemplative Design, is occasion for their presentation to Yalies and their guests on the qualities, techniques, and processes of Non-Dual Design, which integrates all realms and creates an environment alive with spirit.

Design is the subject of intentional living. When we realize that we are very much affected by our work and world and our reaction to it shapes and affects that same world, design comes up. It is the shaping of the future, with clarity and and discernment, or confusion and conflicting feelings . What we call Non-Dual or Zen Design means designing the future for awakening -designing our immediate environments, our homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals, recovery centers.

This is a special event on the CYA fall schedule — one with a unique opportunity for both creative and personal growth. For those attuned the environment, those spiritually inclined, and designers of all stripes, you will gain insight from an accomplished fellow alum in the Colorado Yale community, while connecting with others with similar interest. Yet this presentation should be of interest to anyone seeking more harmony and happiness in their lives.

Meet Martin and Alxe on Wednesday, October 24th, at the Alliance Center, 1536 Wynkoop St, Denver, 6:15 pm; presentation begins at 6:30. Light bites provided. Cash bar. The Alliance Center is a short walk from Union Station.

Tickets: $8; payable by PayPal or by check: Colorado Yale Association, P.O. Box 911, Denver, CO 80201. If you pay by check, please RSVP to Stephanie Grilli: steph@artscribe.net. Copies of their book will be available for purchase and signing.

Considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries, the Dead Sea Scrolls became known to the modern world, when a Bedouin goatherd looking for a stray entered a mountainous cave in 1947. Subsequent excavations revealed more than 900 manuscripts written between 200 BC and 70 AD, which includes parts of every book except Esther from the Old Testament as well as previously unknown hymns, prayers, commentaries, mystical formulas and the earliest version of the Ten Commandments. Preserved by the dry desert conditions, these fragile fragments created a sensation by challenging our understanding of Judeo-Christian history. Their authorship and reason for being at the site near Qumran still remain a mystery.

We are fortunate to have Yale alumnus Dr. Seth Ward ’74, MA ’78, PhD ’84 to provide an introduction and to answer questions during a CYA visit to the exhibition. Given the nature of the exhibition, a guided tour is not possible. Seth is a Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Wyoming. Previously he directed the University of Denver’s Institute for Islamic-Judaic Studies for ten years and came to Denver after six years in Israel teaching at the University of Haifa and the Technion. Through University of Wyoming Summer Study Abroad in Israel, Seth affords students a multi-cultural view that goes beyond headlines and stereotypes through mix of experiences, lectures, tours and events.  His knowledge and facility with groups will make for an enhanced and meaningful encounter with the displayed artifacts for those of us who require a handle to know at what we’re looking.