The Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery of Mungrod, South India, will create a World Peace Sand Mandala at Allan Hancock College May 4 through 7. The pouring of colored sand into intricate patterns will take four days to complete, with an opening ceremony on May 4 at 10 a.m. The construction will be open for viewing in the Ann Foxworthy Gallery from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.
As part of the Tibetan Sacred Art Tour, the creation of the large sand painting ends with the ritual destruction of the work on May 7 at 4:30 p.m. on the lawn outside the Ann Foxworthy Gallery and Hancock’s campus library. The monks will also perform ritual music and prayers. The tour is designed—and endorsed by the Dalai Lama—in order to bring the teachings of non-violet conflict resolution, compassion, and wisdom to the Western world.
The public is welcome to the free event. Parking at Hancock is $2 per day. More information is available at hancockcollege.edu or sacredarttour.org.
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 7, 2015.