_Mandala Sand Painting:
A Sacred Tibetan Art

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    The mandala sand painting begins with an opening ceremony. The monks call forth the forces of goodness through chants, meditation, and music generated  by flutes, drums and cymbals.  The various colors used in each design are created from white stones that are ground down to fine granules and then dyed with ink.

    Before the painting begins, the monks will draw the precise geometric measurements of the mandala. The creation of the sand mandala is usually a collective effort. Each monk is assigned a specific portion of the mandala.

    After the outline of the design is finalized, the sand is then distributed onto the drawing through a thin metal funnel called a chakpur. The chakpur is scraped by another metal rod to cause vibration so the grains of sand to trickle out onto the mandala.  It is common for the monks to work from the center of the mandala outwards.

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Due to the intricate level detail and complexity, sand mandalas may take days or even weeks to finish.

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The Dissolution Ceremony

_    Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are usually swept up and placed in an urn and then carried to a nearby body of water where it is deposited.  The intention is for the waters to carry the healing blessing of the mandala out to the ocean, ameliorating everything as it makes its journey. Once it reaches the ocean, it is intended that its rejuvenating energy will spread throughout the world for planetary healing.