Why mandalas are destroyed

The process is meditative for the monks because of the intense concentration level that is required. One of the goals of the monks is also to maintain harmony throughout the entire process. Historically, a mandala represents the world, but they also incorporate and symbolize Buddhist concepts such as impermanence, wisdom, compassion, loving-kindness, inner peace, etc.

Each part of the mandala has its own significance and represents an area of wisdom that reminds the monks of a principle of Buddhism. Sand mandalas are usually created by trained, professional monks.

These monks have been trained in this art form for several years before they can create them in public. They are proficient in the specific rules of mandala philosophy and design. The training phase can take three years or more. Mandalas are made following the rules passed out down in Buddhist Tibetan texts. The sand is usually very thick so that it does not easily move due to wind or accidental disruption.

Outsiders are not often permitted to participate in the opening ceremonies, which comprise of chanting, dancing, and prayers. Then they throw the rest of the sand into the nearest living stream to be swept into the ocean to bless the whole world. And that's it. It's gone. In an instant, after all that artistry, all that work, it's over. They destroy it. Because the underlying message of the mandala ceremony is that nothing is permanent.

All things are in flux, it says, beautiful but ephemeral, moving but temporary, a plateau but not a summit. All things are called to balance and enlightenment and the fulfillment of the Divine image in them, yes, but in flux.

Always in flux. There is nothing in the meaning of the mandala that denies or undermines the Christian story or its message, of course. But there is something shockingly profound to hear it coming from a wisdom written on the other side of the world. It gives a new note to an ancient truth. It strengthens the ties of humanity a world away. Most of all, perhaps, it makes us all think again about what we think we're going to make permanent.

Like our own domination of the world. Our privileged place in the community of nations. Our sense of status. This meticulous process takes an entire day. Starting from the centre and concentrically working outwards, the monks use metal funnels called chak-pur to place millions of grains of dyed sand to make the elaborate patterns. The vibrations of the chak-pur being grated with a metal rod cause the sands to flow like liquid.

Other popular substances are powdered flowers and herbs or grains. In ancient times powdered precious and semiprecious gems were also used. Once the mandala is complete the monks ask for the deities' healing blessings during a ceremony. As the monks chant, one monk begins the destruction of the mandala by scraping a knuckle through the sand, creating a cross of grey sand.

Another monk takes a paintbrush and slowly and carefully sweeps the sand from the perimeter to the centre of the mandala. The destruction of the mandala serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life. The coloured sand is swept up into an urn and dispersed into flowing water - a way of extending the healing powers to the whole world.

It is seen as a gift to the mother earth to re-energise the environment and universe. Search term:. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets CSS enabled.