What is a sand mandala & what makes it special
“Mandala”, a Sanskrit word, refers to a geometric configuration of symbols. Various spiritual traditions use mandalas as a map representing deities to depict a spiritual journey, starting from outside to the inner core, through layers.
Mandala literally means "that which extracts the essence." There are many different types of mandalas used by Tibetan Buddhists. They can be created in either two or three dimensions. The ones on the monks' tour will be two‑dimensional sand mandalas. These are without doubt the most creative, labor‑intensive, and concentration‑intensive of all mandalas created. The ones provided on the tour will require between 75 and 125 hours of effort, completed by several monks at a time.
The construction of the mandala begins with the drawing of the design on the base, or “tek-pu”. The monks measure out and draw the architectural lines using a straight-edged ruler, compass, ink pen, and chalk. After the diagram is completed, the monks begin the labor-intensive process of laying millions of grains of colored sand in place over a period of several days.
The sand is applied very precisely with the gentle tapping of “chakpurs”; metal funnels shaped like cones that have had the tips cut off. The chakpur is gently scraped with a metal rod that causes significant vibration, enough to have the sand delicately trickle out through the narrow tip of the chakpur. When construction begins the Mandala Master is be the first to initiate the mandala, who does so by being the first to pour the sand.
Each sand mandala represents the architectural layout of the entire palace of a specific deity. The “palace” is an imaginary place that is contemplated during meditation; however each aspect of the palace is rich in multi-layered symbolism. Its iconography, placement, and color all have significance. Additionally, to the learned Tibetan Buddhist monk, the mandala represents his vision of the entire universe.
In the past, sand mandalas were made with the powdered results of the grinding of precious stones, such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, powdered gold and silver, and many other cherished and priceless materials. Today, this is only done on very special and/or auspicious occasions. More commonly, the colors are made of powdered and dyed stone, sand, dust, flowers, and charcoal. The colors are chosen to match the color of one of the Buddhas of the five Buddha families.
Upon completion of the mandala, the monks will ceremoniously destroy the magnificent work of art. The Buddha's last words were "All things are impermanent, work out your salvation with diligence." In upholding the principle that life is transient, the monks sweep up the mandala and place the sand in a nearby river or stream where the waters carry the mandala’s healing and purifying energies throughout the world.
