In September 2017, I was very blessed to witness the dissolution of a sand mandala. The mandala had been constructed in Halswell Library over 21 days by Tibetan buddhist monks. The mandala is a representation of the cosmos and is comprised of much symbolism and meaning. Its construction is an act of devotion in itself (another form of mindfulness practice) that follows strict rituals.
It was exquisite and the sand was not only arranged in intricate shapes and patterns, it was piled to make 3-D forms (as seen above). The completed mandala represents the cosmos in balance and harmony. It is so beautiful it is like a visual prayer. Once created the monks then disperse the sand and deposit it in a nearby waterway. The dissolution symbolises the impermanence of all things.
The deity in the sand mandala (and on the monks' altar shown above) is Green Tara. Tara manifests in numerous forms. It is said that she changes her appearance to the form that the individual requires, but there are 21 main forms. The monks chanted the '21 forms of Tara' mantra and then the shorter mantra: "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha", which seeks refuge in Tara, and liberation from fear. Green Tara is much loved in Tibetan buddhism and represents enlightenment, protection and abundance. Hearing the monks chanting the Tara mantra was very moving and so appropriate for a city still in recovery from earthquakes.
After the prayers the monks dispersed the sand in a very precise way. First a pinch was taken from each of the four directions and placed in a special ornate container. The sand is embued with all the prayers and meditations that have occurred before, during and after the construction of the mandala, so it is considered sacred in itself. Next, the monks dragged a sacred object through the picture in the four directions, followed by the diagonals. After that, they used broad spatulas to brush all of the sand into the centre of the table.
Everyone who witnessed the ceremony was offered a gift of a small bag of sand from the mandala. I have mine already sitting on my altar. It sits in front of my statue of Kuan Yin, the Taoist Goddess of Compassion. Not the same as Green Tara – but closely related in terms of what she represents.
The last time I had seen a sand mandala was in May 2003. So much happened inbetween. And so much yet to come. And all of it as transient as the sand mandala, swept up and emptied into the river. And actually that makes me feel good.
Namaste.
The last time I had seen a sand mandala was in May 2003. So much happened inbetween. And so much yet to come. And all of it as transient as the sand mandala, swept up and emptied into the river. And actually that makes me feel good.
Namaste.
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