January 2018
The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.
According to Buddhist scriptures, mandalas constructed from sand transmit positive energies to the environment and to the people who view them. They are believed to effect purification and healing. Mandala sand painting was introduced by the Buddha himself, and there are many different designs of mandala, each with different lessons to teach.
The mandala sand painting process begins with an opening ceremony, during which the lamas consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness. The monks chant, play instruments, and dance, in magnificent wear.
The design of the mandala is marked with chalk on a wooden platform. This meticulous process takes an entire day.
Starting from the center and concentrically working outwards, the monks use metal funnels called chak-pur to place millions of grains of dyed sand to make the elaborate patterns. The vibrations of the chak-pur being grated with a metal rod cause the sands to flow like liquid.
Once the mandala is complete, the monks ask for the deities' blessings during a ceremony. As the monks chant, one monk begins the destruction of the mandala by scraping a knuckle through the design, creating a cross of grey sand.
Another monk takes a paintbrush and slowly and carefully sweeps the sand from the perimeter to the center of the mandala. The destruction of the mandala serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life.
The colored sand is swept up into an urn and dispersed into flowing water - a way of extending the healing powers to the whole world. It is seen as a gift to the mother earth to re-energize the environment and universe.
Read MoreAccording to Buddhist scriptures, mandalas constructed from sand transmit positive energies to the environment and to the people who view them. They are believed to effect purification and healing. Mandala sand painting was introduced by the Buddha himself, and there are many different designs of mandala, each with different lessons to teach.
The mandala sand painting process begins with an opening ceremony, during which the lamas consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness. The monks chant, play instruments, and dance, in magnificent wear.
The design of the mandala is marked with chalk on a wooden platform. This meticulous process takes an entire day.
Starting from the center and concentrically working outwards, the monks use metal funnels called chak-pur to place millions of grains of dyed sand to make the elaborate patterns. The vibrations of the chak-pur being grated with a metal rod cause the sands to flow like liquid.
Once the mandala is complete, the monks ask for the deities' blessings during a ceremony. As the monks chant, one monk begins the destruction of the mandala by scraping a knuckle through the design, creating a cross of grey sand.
Another monk takes a paintbrush and slowly and carefully sweeps the sand from the perimeter to the center of the mandala. The destruction of the mandala serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life.
The colored sand is swept up into an urn and dispersed into flowing water - a way of extending the healing powers to the whole world. It is seen as a gift to the mother earth to re-energize the environment and universe.
