Mandala Sand Painting Closing Ceremony | Tibetan Monks of The Mystical Arts of Tibet

The Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery 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.

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.

Early arrival is encouraged. Please note that the closing ceremony will involve walking as the sands from the mandala are carried for dispersal into Wills Creek.

Tibetan Monks of The Mystical Arts of Tibet 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 the Allegany Arts Council, and the City of Frostburg.

You may also like the following events from CES at Frostburg State University:

• This Tuesday, 29th April, 12:00 pm, CES and Allegany Arts Council present The Mystical Arts of Tibet – Mandala Sand Painting in Cumberland
• This Wednesday, 30th April, 06:00 pm, Tibetan Monks Lecture: The Power of Empathy and Compassion in Cumberland
• This Thursday, 1st May, 06:00 pm, Tibetan Monks Lecture: Why Do We Need Each Other? in Cumberland

Also check out other Arts events in Cumberland, Fine Arts events in Cumberland, Health & Wellness events in Cumberland.