The Trànsits series concludes its third edition with a three-day programme in May (from the 22nd to the 24th), inviting audiences to explore the role of sound and music in Buddhism.
The activities take place at the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes, a space for both collective and individual spirituality that offers a retreat for inner peace. With "Sounds of Buddhism", the public is invited to experience spiritual and sonic depth in one of the city’s most historic and serene settings.
The monastery will host concerts, talks, conversations, meditations, and workshops that delve into the soundscapes of different Buddhist traditions. Over the course of three days, moments of reflection will be combined with participatory and experiential activities, including music, meditation, and chanting. The programme also includes the celebration of Vesak, a festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
PROGRAM
Thursday, May 22
5:15 PM – Offering of the Heart Sutra
Recitation of the Heart Sutra and zen meditation practice, led by Pere Taiho Secorún. The event includes a kito ceremony and a presentation of 32 calligraphed cloths by María Eugenia Manrique featuring the 276 kanjis of the Hannya Shingyo.
Organised by the Centre Zen Barcelona.
Claustre. Free activity, limited capacity.
7:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
With Sara Belbeida, Commissioner for Citizen Relations and Cultural and Religious Diversity of the Barcelona City Council; Glòria Puig, president of the Coordinadora Catalana d’Entitats Budistes; and José Pintor, General Director of Casa Asia.
8:00 PM – Shakuhachi concert with Kaoru Kakizakai
The shakuhachi is a bamboo flute used by Japanese zen komusō monks in the practice of suizen, or ‘blown meditation’. The repertoire developed in this context, known as honkyoku, is a unique form of sonic expression.
Refetor. Limited seating. More information and tickets (€15) available here.
Friday, May 23
5:30 PM – Free meditation space
An open silent space for practice before the start of scheduled activities.
Sala capitular. Free entry, limited capacity.
6:00 PM – Vesak: commemorating the life of the Buddha. Lecture by Agustí Pàniker
Writer and thinker Agustí Pàniker offers a didactic introduction to the Buddha and the events commemorated during Vesak: birth, awakening, and parinirvana.
Sala d’actes. Free activity, limited seating. Pre-registration required here.
8:30 PM – Chanting of sutras
To mark Vesak, the Yun Hwa, Soka Gakkai, and Dana Paramita communities offer the recitation of sutras from their respective traditions: the Heart Sutra (Yun Hwa), the Lotus Sutra (Soka Gakkai), and the Evening Sutra in Han style (Dana Paramita).
Free activity, limited capacity.
Saturday, May 24
10:00 AM – Introduction to meditation in the Drukpa tradition
Workshop led by Lama Jigme Yeshe Dorje. Open practice, no prior experience required.
Sala capitular. Free activity, limited capacity.
10:30 AM – Sound, music and the senses in Buddhism. Conversation and discussion
What role do sound and music play in Buddhism? A collective reflection on how these elements are present in rituals, meditation, and daily life across different traditions.
With Ngagmo Ngawang Dëter, Elisabeth Serrano, Lama Ngawang Norbu, and moderated by Horacio Curti.
Sala d’actes. Free activity. Pre-registration required here.
1:00 PM – Introduction to walking meditation in the Yun Hwa tradition
Workshop led by Ramon Gimeno. Open practice, no prior experience required.
Sala capitular. Free activity, limited capacity.
1:30 PM – Break
3:00 PM – Introduction to mindful relaxation from a Buddhist perspective
Practical session led by Lluïsa Millán. No prior experience required.
Sala capitular. Free activity, limited capacity.
3:30 PM – Shōmyō workshop with Junko Ueda
Practical introduction to shōmyō, a form of medieval Japanese liturgical chanting linked to Buddhism. The workshop will focus on vocal technique within this tradition, with attention to breath, posture, and bodily presence. No musical experience required.
Les Procures. Limited seating. More information and registration (€10) available here.
6:00 PM – Introduction to meditation in the Dzogchen tradition
Open workshop led by Cristina Cornudella. No prior experience required.
Sala capitular. Free activity, limited capacity.
6:30 PM – The twelve acts of the Buddha
The “Praise to the Muni” describes the twelve key acts in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, and serves as a form of remembrance and honour within the Vesak celebration. Presented and recited by the sangha of Kagyu Samye Dzong.
Les Procures. Free activity, limited capacity.
8:00 PM – Satsuma Biwa concert with Junko Ueda
Junko Ueda performs Satsuma biwa, a Japanese lute associated with the recitation of epic tales from feudal Japan. This traditional repertoire reflects core Buddhist themes such as impermanence, transience, and suffering caused by attachment.
Refectori. Limited seating. More information and tickets (€15) available here.