Tibetan Buddhist monks create a mandala sand
painting at the Institute of Texan Cultures.
Tibetan Buddhist Monks Will Dismantle Mandala in Aug. 19 Ceremony
(August 13, 2001)--The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio (ITC) will hold a special ceremony at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 during which Tibetan Buddhist monks will dismantle the sand mandala painting created earlier this month as part of "The Mystical Arts of Tibet" exhibit.
The monks will take the sand to the San Antonio River where, according to Buddhist custom, it will be returned to the flowing waters. All guests attending the ceremony will be invited to take part in the processional and will receive some of the sand as a keepsake, according to tradition.
Most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion as a metaphor for the impermanence of all material things. The sands are swept up and placed in an urn. To fulfill the function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water where it is deposited. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, where it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.
Painting mandalas with colored sand remains one of the most unique, exquisite traditions of Buddhism. Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days to form the image, which is blessed and believed to purify and heal the body, mind and spirit.
The mandala sand painting was constructed over a four-day period in early August in conjunction with "The Mystical Arts of Tibet" exhibition, a collection of art that reflects the rich artistic achievements of both old Tibet and current Tibet-in-exile works as preserved under the Dalai Lama’s guidance in India and Nepal.
The collection, on display at the Institute of Texan Cultures through Sept.
3, brings together 108 traditional art objects, including ancient watercolor
tangka paintings, statues and numerous ritual objects belonging to the Dalai
Lama.
Admission to the dismantling ceremony is free with a paid admission to the exhibit: $8 for adults; $4 for children (ages 3-12); $6 for military (with ID); $6 for seniors (65+); children under 3 admitted free. UTSA students, faculty, and staff are admitted free with valid ID. Group rates are available by calling (210) 458-2291 or 1-800-776-7651.
ITC, one of three campuses of the University of Texas at San Antonio, is
an educational center focusing on the history and diverse cultures of Texas.
It is located at Bowie and Durango at HemisFair Park in downtown San Antonio.
For information, call (210) 458-2300.
"The Mystical Arts of Tibet" is presented with support from The Ewing Halsell Foundation. The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is the state’s only venue for the magnificent collection. The tour is sponsored by Richard Gere Productions, Inc. and Drepung Loseling Institute, North American seat of Drepung Loseling Monastery.