Sand Painting’s “Deconstruction” Signals End of Monks’ Visit to La Salle

The final activity of the monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery in India, who have been visiting La Salle University since September 6, will take place on Thursday, September 15 with the deconstruction of the mandala, or sand painting, created by the monks. The process begins at the University's Art Museum at noon.

The sand mandala is carefully constructed from dyed sand particles as a vehicle to generate compassion, to realize the impermanence of reality, and to create a social/cosmic healing of the environment. The Medicine Buddha Mandala invokes healing of mind and body and promotes the well-being of all sentient beings. Mandalas are disassembled at the end of the ritual as a symbol of the impermanence of all phenomena.

After placing the sand in a special vase, the monks will walk to the University's Japanese Tea House behind the Peale House, and pour the sand into a small creek that flows there.

The monks' visit to La Salle is sponsored by the Office of the Provost. Both the Art Museum and the University's Diplomat-in-Residence program held special events and seminars for members of the La Salle community and the general public.