Tibetan Monks Creating Sand Mandala at UMass Amherst

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

DATE:       April 17, 18, 19, 20
TIME:       10 a.m. to noon and 1-6 p.m. (1-4 p.m. on Friday, April 20)
WHERE:   Old Chapel, UMass Amherst

Seven Tibetan monks are creating a unique and colorful sand mandala, considered a tool for re-consecrating the earth and its inhabitants.

Painstakingly formed from millions of grains of sand placed on a flat platform and incorporating traditionally prescribed iconography, the mandala includes geometric shapes as well as ancient spiritual symbols.

Viewing hours are:

--Tuesday through Thursday, April 17-19 from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-6 p.m.

--Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.

The monks, from the Drepung Loseling Monastary, have awed millions of spectators worldwide with their expertise as well as their generosity and kindness in connecting with people.

The art of sand mandala painting in Tibetan is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, literally “mandala of colored powders.”

Traditionally, most sand mandalas are deconstructed shortly after their completion. The deconstruction process is a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are then swept up and placed in an urn. To fulfill the function of healing, half of the swept sand is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony and the remainder is deposited in a nearby body of water to be carried to the ocean and spread throughout the world.