CRAFT & CULTURE

"Tibetan Buddhist culture is in danger of completely disappearing," says William Stauffer, president of the Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia. And it's hard to argue with the guy when most Amercans' knowledge of the China-occupied territory is limited to Brad Pitt's Seven Years in Tibet and the Beastie Boys' 1996 Tibetan Freedom Concert. The center's annual arts and crafts bazaar focuses on the philosophical and often surreal nature of Eastern art from exiled Tibetans and aims to raise awareness of the often overlooked culture. The sale includes authentic silverwork jewelry, handcrafted silk brocade scarves and sashes, elegant Oriental rugs, paintings, miniature sculptures and other assorted knickknacks. Also on the agenda: traditional music, dancers, literature, prayer items and popular Tibetan dishes like vegetarian momos (potato, onion and cheese dumplings). The event also includes a keynote speech by renowned author Mark Magill (Why Is the Buddha Smiling?), best known for putting a Western perspective on all things Buddhist.

Tibetan craft bazaar, Sat., Nov. 26, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., free, Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, 610-352-3430, www.tibetanbuddhist.org.