SACRED MANDALAS

WHO

• Dalai Lama often calls for them to be created
• Created by Tibetan Buddhist Monks
• Mandala includes deities
• Deities are chosen based on what the Buddhist wants to meditate on
• Usually created by around 20 monks

WHAT

• Symbolic picture of the universe
• Represents an imaginary life that is contemplated during meditation
• 'Mandala' means circle
• They each teach a unique lesson

WHY

• For contemplation during meditation
• Assist with healing
• Help Buddhists achieve enlightenment
• Display a key principle
• Destruction symbolizes impermanence

HOW

• They dispose of the sand in a river
• Use a chak-pur (cone shaped metal funnel) to pour the sand
• Run a metal rod on the surface to make the sand flow out smoothly
• Use dyed sands to create the mandala