These events were scheduled May 18-19, 2024.


An author and photojournalist with a deep personal connection to the Dalai Lama of Tibet visits Halcyon the weekend of May 18-19 for a series of presentations at the Temple of the People.

Vladan Mijatovic Zivojnov, a self-described “wanderer,” will read from his latest book, Into the Heart of Gold, which chronicles his pilgrimage to meet the Dalai Lama. The Yugoslav-born author first connected with the renowned spiritual leader in 1988 and has remained a devoted student ever since.

On May 18 Zivojnov will share selections from his book and also play Sounds of Shambala chants, recorded over the years during his multiple visits to the Himalayas. The presentation is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the University Center Gallery.

Later that day, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Zivojnov will screen Tibetan Trinity: Life, Death, and Time Part 3, in the Temple’s adjacent Hiawatha Lodge. The documentary captures two weeks where the Dalai Lama drew 40,000 followers to Mt. Kinnour Kailash in the Himalayas to celebrate Buddhist teachings.

Zivojnov returns May 19 at 10:30 a.m. to speak at the weekly morning service at the Temple of the People and share personal insights about the Dalai Lama.

The final session is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. later that day when Zivojnov hosts a pre-meditation gathering, followed by a one-hour meditation in the Blue Star Memorial Temple from 7 to 8 p.m. The session will feature Tibetan Buddhist chants. Participants are asked to bring their own meditation cushions.

Admission to each event is free, though donations will be accepted. The Temple of the People is located at 3199 Temple Street in Halcyon.

:: David Congalton

By David Congalton

"Man About The Arts" David Congalton is an award-winning writer and veteran radio host who has been published in various formats over the last 30 years. He is the former director of the Central Coast Writers Conference at Cuesta College and currently serves on the faculty of the Rocaberti Screenwriting Retreat in Spain and France. His work has appeared locally in the San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune, Central Coast Magazine, New Times, and SLO Journal.