A Sand Mandala is a complex, usually 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.
The Mandala presented at City Hall will be
a Medicine Buddha Mandala.
(more information will be available at City Hall). The Monks are presenting the
Mandala to the City of Austin and all donations go to their new charitable
hospital.
Please
donate generously.
There is an established ritual involving
the start (initiation) and the completion
of a Sand Mandala.
At a designated time, the Mandala is "dismantled"
or "dissolved."
This means that a closing ceremony is done,
the sand is swept to the center of the design,
collected and later dispersed into 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.
Following this procession, there will be
a large public meditation for Peace and Compassion
at Auditorium Shores.
We hope you will attend
Bring a cushion!
