Visitors to the Institute of Texan Culture's "The Mystical Arts of Tibet"
exhibit can
watch the "painting" of a mandala Aug. 2-5. The exhibit continues
through Sept. 3.
(Photos by Bryan Morehead ©1998 Drepung Loseling Monastery)
Tibetan Buddhist Monks Will Construct Mandala Sand Painting at ITC
Tibetan Buddhist monks will construct a mandala sand painting August 2-5,
at the Institute of Texan Cultures as part of "The Mystical Arts of Tibet"
exhibit. An opening ceremony will be held August 1 at 6 p.m., during which
the lamas will consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness,
which will be done through chanting, music and mantra recitation.
Visitors will be able to view the mandala sand painting as it is created
August 2-5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the ITC exhibit floor. The completed mandala
will be on display until August 19 at 2 p.m., when a special ceremony will
be conducted to dismantle it. Viewing of the sand painting is free with admission
to the exhibit.
Buddhist monks, who accompany the exhibit to each venue, will "paint"
the mandala using colored sand. One of the most unique and exquisite expressions
of Tibetan art, the round mandala is formed of millions of sand grains painstakingly
placed in geometric and symbolic shapes over a flat surface -- a process requiring
days. When the monks have finished the mandala, the work is destroyed to symbolize
the impermanence of all that exists. The sand is returned to nature, preferably
to a river or stream, as a way of reconsecrating the earth.
The mandala sand painting will be presented in conjunction with "The
Mystical Arts of Tibet," a collection of Tibetan art that reflects the
rich artistic achievements of both old Tibet and current Tibet-in-exile, as
preserved under the Dalai Lama’s guidance in India and Nepal. The collection
brings together 108 traditional art objects, including ancient watercolor
tangka paintings and statues and numerous ritual objects belonging to His
Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The exhibit also includes several dozen ancient pieces from the surviving
collection of Drepung Loseling Monastery, many dating from the eleventh to
fifteenth centuries, and a selection of contemporary pieces made by Tibetan
refugees in India and Nepal.
"The Mystical Arts of Tibet" is presented through September 3 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.
Admission is $8.00 for adults; $4.00 for children (ages 3-12); $6.00 for
military (with ID); $6.00 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.
The 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 Streets in HemisFair Park in downtown San Antonio. For information, call (210) 458-2300.