Observe an ancient ritual of creation and impermanence as Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery create and then ritually destroy an intricate sand mandala painting.
In keeping with centuries-old tradition the lamas begin by consecrating the site through chants, music, and mantra recitation. Over the days that follow, the lamas create a mandala by meticulously hand-placing millions of colored grains of sand on a wooden platform — a meditative process believed to cultivate healing and compassion.
During viewing hours, guests will also have the opportunity to contribute to a community mandala, offering a hands-on connection to the tradition.
Opening Ceremony
Monday, April 6
12 p.m.
Old Chapel
Held prior to the creation of the sand mandala painting, the opening ceremony honors dignitaries and consecrates the grounds of the mandala with sacred chants believed to generate energies conducive to world healing. Following the ceremony, the monks begin the intricate process of creating the mandala, placing millions of grains of sand by hand to form detailed and symbolic designs.
Why Do We Need Each Other?
Lecture by Gonsa Rinpoche
with translation by Geshe Tsewang Punchok
Wednesday, April 8
4 p.m.
Old Chapel
In a changing reality, shaped particularly by social media and increasing globalization, we have become much closer and much more dependent on each other. These changes are neither inherently positive nor negative, but they represent a marked acceleration in our pace of life and range of accessibility. At the same time, our lives have become much more volatile and vulnerable, calling for an unprecedented sense of responsibility and belonging. How do we achieve this? What role can each of us play?
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Friday, April 10
12p.m.
Old Chapel and Campus Pond
The week concludes with a closing ceremony in which the sand is swept up and placed in an urn, a metaphor for the impermanence of life. As a gesture of healing, half of the sand is distributed to the audience, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water and released. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, allowing its healing energy to spread throughout the world.
Funding provided by the Chancellor’s Community, Democracy, and Dialogue (CDD) working group. Presented in collaboration with Building Bridges, Campus Life and Wellbeing, Equity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Religious and Spiritual Life, Student Affairs and Campus Life, The Old Chapel, Partnership for Worker Education, Hospitality Services, and the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (RTAM).