Tibetan Monks Sacred Footsteps From the Roof of the World Tour 2015

Tibetan Monks build a Sand Mandala

The mandala is a representation of an enlightened being’s place of residence and everything that is contained within it. Each part of the mandala is rich in symbolism and reminds the meditator of the insights and states of mind and feelings he/she is trying to accomplish.

The exact design and proportions are laid down in ancient Buddhist text. The monks have memorised the text and carefully follow the canonical iconography. Every part of the mandala symbolises different aspects of the teachings and the realisations of the enlightened being whose mandala it is.

Made by pouring fine trails of brightly coloured sand onto a mathematically precise framework, the mandala is a wonder of intricacy and detail. A full mandala takes 7 – 10 days to construct. Simpler forms can be created in 4 – 6 days. After completion, the whole beautiful creation is swept away in a matter of seconds and returned to the waters or the earth to remind us that all things are impermanent.

All donations will go towards Nying-Jey Projects for Tibetan Communities to provide essential support for education, medical care and well-being for Tibetans living in exile in India and Tibetans in East Tibetan areas, located within Sichuan province China.