A sacred art of Tibet: The Sand Mandala
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
On September 16-20, 2009, Tibetan lamas (monks) created a sacred art of Tibet, a sand mandala, at the Memorial Union in
Madison, Wisconsin, as part of their performance "The Mythical Art of Tibet" at the Union Theater on Sept. 19. The performance
has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama as a means of promoting world peace and healing. The sand mandala painting is called
"dul-tson-kyil-khor," which means "mandala of colored powders."
Asian Wisconzine was present at the closing ceremonies on September 20, and witnessed the final construction and
dismantling of the sand mandala. There was chanting and music using the traditional Tibetan instruments (esp. very long
trumpets that reached the floor). The monks' chanting was of multiphonic sounds and very fascinating. After the rituals, the
colored sand construction was dismantled, half of it was placed inside an urn for pouring into the lake, and half was placed in
plastic bags for distribution to the audience present. Later, the monks led the "parade" from the Memorial Union to Mendota
Lake where the final rites were conducted before the colored sands were poured into the lake. It symbolized the carrying of
healing energies throughout the world.
Madison, Wisconsin, as part of their performance "The Mythical Art of Tibet" at the Union Theater on Sept. 19. The performance
has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama as a means of promoting world peace and healing. The sand mandala painting is called
"dul-tson-kyil-khor," which means "mandala of colored powders."
Asian Wisconzine was present at the closing ceremonies on September 20, and witnessed the final construction and
dismantling of the sand mandala. There was chanting and music using the traditional Tibetan instruments (esp. very long
trumpets that reached the floor). The monks' chanting was of multiphonic sounds and very fascinating. After the rituals, the
colored sand construction was dismantled, half of it was placed inside an urn for pouring into the lake, and half was placed in
plastic bags for distribution to the audience present. Later, the monks led the "parade" from the Memorial Union to Mendota
Lake where the final rites were conducted before the colored sands were poured into the lake. It symbolized the carrying of
healing energies throughout the world.
