The Tibetan Buddhist Practice of Creating Sand Mandalas

One unique traditional practice of Tibetan Buddhist monks is the making of sand mandalas, which present symbolic representations of a perfect universe. Contemplated through meditation, mandalas can also be described as imaginary palaces, in which each item has significance as a guiding principle and aspect of wisdom. Contemplating these forms can enable healing and provide signifiers on the path toward enlightenment.

Said to have been introduced by the Buddha, sand mandalas begin with chalk markings on a platform made of wood. Starting at the center, monks employ chak-pur (metal funnels) to precisely place grains of sands concentrically, working out to the edge of a circle. The sand is actually made from crushed ground rocks such as marble that has been dyed in vivid colors. Each color portrays elements such as earth, water, air, sky, and fire, as well as qualities such as non-attachment, awareness, and good karma.

There are various sand patterns that have been been used for centuries, such as a Green Tara mandala that represents one who has reached the highest state of compassion, wisdom, and inner peace, removing many life obstacles through setting correct intentions. With full mandalas typically requiring three to 10 days to create, the mandalas are left up for a week to contemplate and then disassembled and the materials returned to nature, in a monk-guided ceremony.