Thinking of Sand Mandalas...

Do you believe that "things" happen for a reason?

While cleaning out my desk, I came across some older articles I had been holding onto and thought I'd share a few reflections about them. With a surprising degree of frequency, I come across articles (some longer than others) in my local newspapers, on the topic of Buddhist practice, specifically the creation and use of sand mandalas. (The one pictured to the right is by The Venerable Lama Tenzin Yignyen, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk.)The original article chronicled the work of visiting Tibetan monks who came to River City to craft a sand mandala, with the express purpose of dispersing it into the river which runs through our city. While I have had a passing awareness of the art form, as a spiritual practice, I remain in awe of the energy and effort placed on such beautiful art with a purpose.

The word mandala has many different definition, but the one I wish to ascribe to today is that it is a “circle” – an idealized circular model of the cosmos, with the source of cosmic or temporal power located at the centre, and deities or beings representing lesser powers or energies radiating outward toward the periphery, the limits of the system. In Tantric practice, Mandalas are often employed as visual meditation support.


Mandala's represent hours of dedication and work by the artists who create them.

Words hold power. Especially powerful and positive bright words and words of gratitude. This power sprinkles love all around you. It vitalizes people and makes their lives shine...

But, like all life in the Buddhist frame of reference, this mandala is intended to be impermanent. This impermanence is further illustrated by the practice of "releasing" it into our river, thereby bringing blessings upon us.

So, if one is to believe that "things" do indeed happen for a reason, what does the fact that while searching for the original article on-line while writing this post, I came across a very related new announcement, in the local independent newspaper? Apparently, there is a sand mandala to be constructed at a divinity college right here in River City over the next few weeks. Hmmmmm...

Embrassez votre été invincible!