Muslim Journeys, Funded by NEH: Illustrates Islamic Faith

ARGUS LEADERS
By Jill Callison

Fifteenth-century map by Piri Reis of the coastline of Andalusia and the city of Granada. The Walters Museum of Art, Baltimore

MICHIGAN---Siouxland Libraries and the Multi-Cultural Center on Wednesday start a three-part program to promote an understanding of Islam and remove stereotypes. The library system is one of 840 libraries and state humanities councils across the United States selected to receive the Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys program from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. The program aims to familiarize public audiences with the people, places, history, faith and cultures of Muslims here and around the world. [link]

Buddhist Monks Visit South Dakota For Ancient Art Demonstration

KDLT NEWS

SOUTH DAKOTA---A group of Tibetan Monks are sending a message through some very detailed artwork at the University of South Dakota. It is a message of compassion. Six Tibetan monks are spending the week at the University of South Dakota as part of a national tour, creating an ancient Buddhist work of art called a "mandala." The process can sometimes take a month. The monks will destroy the final product on purpose in order to send the ultimate message. "Everything is impermanent, so we are showing some kind of impermanence. Even if you are a beautiful person, beautiful boy, beautiful girl, but in the end it will change," said Lobsang. [link]