something to behold

In this culture of instant gratification. Fast food, fast lane, multitask, power lunch, etc it is especially refreshing to have the opportunity to observe the visiting Monks from Drepung Loseling Phukhang Monastery, in S. India.

For 3 days now, they have worked on a sand mandala. Slow, laborious, done in silence. A blend of ancient art, and a meditation for Compassion.

Opening ceremony~ A Mandala of people

The mandala is dismantled in a formal ceremony, with chanting, traditional music,

 and a sweeping away of the mandala. 

In Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhism, it is said that whenever a Sand Mandala is created, all sentient beings and the surrounding environment are blessed.

The monks pour millions of grains of sand from a funnel shaped metal tool known as the Chakpur. , the funnel is rapsed (a small metal stick  is rubbed or rasped in order to release a fine stream of sand. 

During the closing ceremony, the monks dismantle the Mandala, sweeping up the colored sand to symbolize the impermanence of all phenomena. 

The sand is taken & released into the river 

as a symbolic worldwide prayer/blessing for compassion.