Tibetan Monks Lecture: The Symbolism of the Sand Mandala

The Architecture of EnlightenmentThe Tibetan Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery return to Western Maryland for an extraordinary five-day residency endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.Mandala sand painting has its roots in the tantric legacy of Buddhist India, extending back more than 20,000 years. In Tibetan, this art is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, which means “mandala of colored powders.” The lamas painstakingly lay millions of grains of colored sand to create the traditional iconography of ancient spiritual symbols. They begin by drawing an outline of the mandala on a wooden platform. Over the next five days, sands are delicately poured from traditional metal funnels called chak-purs. Upon completion, the sands are swept up and placed in an urn. To fulfill the function of healing, half of the sand is distributed to spectators while the remainder is dispersed in a nearby body of flowing water to carry the healing blessing to the ocean; from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.Mandala Opening Ceremony Tuesday, April 29 | Noon The monks consecrate the mandala site with traditional chants, music and mantra recitation. Mandala Creation Daily Schedule Tuesday, April 29 | 1-6 PM Wednesday - Friday, April 30-May 2 | 10 AM-6 PM Saturday, April 30-May 3 | 10-11 AMMandala Closing Ceremony Saturday, May 3 | Noon The monks dismantle the sand mandala for dispersal in Wills Creek at Canal Place. Half of the sand is distributed to observers as blessings for personal health and healing.This engagement is presented in partnership with the Allegany Arts Council.CES is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, and receives financial support from he Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.

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