Sand Mandala at Natural History Museum

Visiting Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery commence work on Wednesday to create a Mandala sand painting, a 2500-year-old Tantric Buddhist healing practice. The ancient ritual, conducted by 10 monks over five days in the atrium of the San Diego Natural History Museum, will assume new meaning in this time of economic uncertainty. The monks will construct the iconic Green Tara Mandala, which Buddhists believe can lead to personal and planetary healing during times of uncertainty and economic crises.isiting Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery commence work on Wednesday to create a Mandala sand painting, a 2500-year-old Tantric Buddhist healing practice. The ancient ritual, conducted by 10 monks over five days in the atrium of the San Diego Natural History Museum, will assume new meaning in this time of economic uncertainty. The monks will construct the iconic Green Tara Mandala, which Buddhists believe can lead to personal and planetary healing during times of uncertainty and economic crises.

Wednesday, June 17
Opening Ceremony, Noon–1 PM in the Museum Atrium

The Drepung Loseling monks begin by consecrating the site of the Mandala Sand Painting with approximately 30 minutes of chants, music, and
mantra recitation. After the Opening Ceremony the monks start drawing the line design for the Mandala.

Thursday, June 18, 10 AM–6 PM
Friday, June 19–Saturday, June 20, 10 AM–9 PM
Mandala Construction in the Museum Atrium

Throughout their residency at the Museum, the monks will dedicate about 30 hours of team work to pour millions of grains of sand into place,
using traditional metal funnels called chak-pur. In Tibet, the art is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, which literally means “mandala of colored powders.”

Take-a-Breath Lunchtime Meditations, Noon–12:45 PM on the Museum’s El Mirador rooftop terrace
Space is limited. Email s.sidman@bw.plastination.com to reserve your spot.
Led by a senior student from the Vajrarupini Buddhist Center, lunchtime meditations will consist of a short introduction and guided meditation. The meditations are designed to relax and focus the mind and bring it to a peaceful and virtuous state.

Sunday, June 21
Closing Ceremony, 1 PM–2 PM in the Museum Atrium

During the closing ceremony, the monks will dismantle the mandala, sweeping up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. Half of the sand will be distributed to the audience. Join us for the inspiring and colorful ceremony.

For more information please visit www.sdnhm.org. During Brain Glow week,
BODY WORLDS is offering discounts off full price adult tickets purchased
by June 16. To purchase tickets, please call 877.946.7797.

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