Tied onto the backs of Buddhist monks from the remote Tibetan Gongkar Choede Monastery, the great drums boomed in unison, carrying the tantric intent of spiritual protection. Over three nights, a 50-strong ensemble of artists from Bali, Indonesia, showcased traditional ritual performances that hold deep spiritual meaning through stories of good, evil and karma. With deft and swift movements, dancers presented Oni Ken Bai, a traditional dance from Iwate, Japan that quells negativity, bringing peace and abundance. Generals of the underworld and the mystical qilin came alive with the Zhong Lian Dian Folk Arts and Yan Wong Cultural Troupe, parading the Esplanade Courtyard in the name of ushering in goodness and fortune. The spectacle demands your attention, but there’s always more behind it than meets the eye. For different faiths and belief systems, these vivid events are a way to commune with the spiritual world beyond the material plane, bringing peace and prosperity to those who bear...