A Sand Mandala is a complex geometric,
design consisting of finely grained colored sand meticulously funneled onto a flat surface.
There are many types of Sand Mandalas and in some ways they are very similar to Navajo Sand Paintings.
Interestingly enough, in cultural terms, the two have no relationship with one another, yet play central roles in each respective culture's spiritual beliefs!
Mandalas are often a flat "one dimensional" representation of a three dimensional object.
(more information will be available at City Hall). The Monks are presenting the
Mandala to the City of Austin and donations fund the monastery's educational
efforts.
Please
donate generously.
There is an established ritual involving
the inception (initiation) and the completion
of a Sand Mandala.
At a designated time,
the Mandala is "dismantled"
or "dissolved."
This is a ritualistic process where,
the sand is swept to the center of the design,
collected and later dispersed into open water.
The public is invited to participate
and join in the dissolution ceremony.
Once the sand is collected, the monks will make a short sojourn to Auditorium Shores,
walking across First street,
along the east side of the South First St. bridge
to the south bank of the Colorado.
We hope you will attend
