Henderson Smith, Instructor
Thursdays in May and June, 5pm, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art whose physical practice offers general health benefits, stress management, increased energy, and improved physical mobility.  The physical and meditative aspects of Tai Chi, which uses slow, repetitive movements, are recognized as relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind.

Led by instructor Henderson Smith, Tai Chi classes are held from 5 to 6pm on the Chapel grounds near the reflecting pool and Barnett Newman’s sculpture Broken Obelisk.  The classes are suitable for beginners as well as the experienced Tai Chi practitioner. Loose fitting, comfortable clothes are appropriate attire for the classes.  In case of inclement weather, classes will be held inside the Rothko Chapel. Henderson Smith is the founder of Living Well Therapies and is a certified instructor in Tai Chi.

Vehishta Salveh, Zoroastrian Tradition
Wednesday, June 5, 12pm Noon, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

This month's meditation will reflect upon the Zoroastrian scriptures (The Gathas), which focuses on self-realization and spirituality through the use of good mind and actions. They stress the purity of body, min,d and soul by following the path of righteousness. The Gathas are one of the world's most ancient religious texts. Vehishta Kaikobad has been an educator for 25 years and also works as a teaching artist for the education department at Museum of Fine Arts Houston. She has served as a Sunday School teacher at the Zoroastrian Association of Houston since 1980s with the goal of nurturing interfaith understanding. The series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.

Councilman Joel Burns and Robert Leleux
Thursday, June 20, 7pm, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Despite profound changes in society regarding support for LGBT civil rights, most states uphold the last legal form of discrimination against their own citizens. What effects does such systematic discrimination and ingrained homophobia have on the way we treat our LGBT neighbors, especially youth? How does one heal after being bullied for her or his sexual identity, and what can the community do to promote healing and prevent future harm? Councilman Joel Burns and author Robert Leleux will have a timely and substantive conversation on these topics, particularly with the Supreme Court deciding on two landmark marriage rights cases in June. Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns rocketed to internet fame after a YouTube video of him detailing his years of bullying went viral as part of the “It Gets Better Project.”  Robert Leleux is a freelance writer and editor, and the author of two books including The Living End and The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy. Leleux is also the features editor of Lonny Magazine and writer for the Texas Observer.

Friday, June 21, Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

In observation of the Summer Solstice, the Rothko Chapel will be open from sunrise to sunset (approximately 6:20am-8:25pm). In addition, the following programs will be available at no charge:

Sang Chod (Tibetan Smoke Offering)
6:22 Sunrise

Sang Chod, or Smoke Offering, is a ritual traditionally done in the early morning for special occasions such as the Tibetan New Year (LoSar). Through the smoke we cleanse ourselves from negativities and offer our good intentions as the smoke goes up in an uplifiting manner. This ritual is also performed when one reaches the peak of a mountain, with prayer flags being placed at the conclusion of the ritual.

Taiko Drumming
8:25 Sunset

Kaminari Taiko of Houston, a Japanese drumming ensemble, will perform on the Rothko Chapel plaza to mark the end of the Summer Solstice. "Taiko" is a Japanese word for drum. The art of taiko carries deep significance in Japanese culture. Samurai warriors also used taiko on the battlefield to signal commands and frighten their enemies. Townspeople warned of danger by beating on taiko, and priests used taiko at religious ceremonies to communicate with the gods. Temples and shrines throughout Japan display taiko as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits.

Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996 by Jay Mochizuki along with a number of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. The members diligently trained under world acclaimed Taiko Masters such as: Daihachi Oguchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo and Takemasa Ishikura to learn the fundamental skills, philosophy and the spirit of this centuries old Japanese tradition.