Buddhist monks from the Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies will be at Eastern Connecticut State University’s Akus Gallery from Dec. 3 – 9 to create a traditional sand mandala. Formed into traditional Tibetan iconography, including geometric
shapes and historical Buddhist spiritual symbols, sand-painted mandalas are used as tools for blessing the earth and its inhabitants. A sand mandala is thought to bring compassion, peace, and harmony to the area where it is constructed. The mandala created at Eastern will relate to Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion and Peace.
To create a mandala, millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days. One week after work on the mandala is initiated, the sand that forms the intricate pattern is carefully collected and dispersed into moving water to release the mandala’s special blessing to the world. After a week of viewing hours at the Akus Gallery, the event will culminate on Sunday, Dec. 9, with the dismantling of the mandala and a dispersal ceremony consisting of the release of the sand into the Willimantic River.
In keeping with the Dalai Lama’s mission to preserve Tibetan culture and its rich history, the monks of Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies participate in sand mandala exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout the world. “A Sand Mandala for Peace” is an exhibition, a performance, a lecture, and a demonstration of an indigenous folk art form. Please join Eastern Connecticut State University in this celebration of compassion, nonsectarianism, diversity, and unity.
A SAND MANDALA FOR PEACE
December 3 - December 9, 2007
Schedule of Events
The community is invited to attend all events. Admission is free.
School groups please call the Akus Gallery for an appointment.
Gallery viewing hours:
Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.,
Thurs. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hours for viewing mandala creation:
Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. – noon and 1:30 p.m.
– varying afternoon hours throughout the week.
Contact the Akus gallery for detailed information (860) 465-4659.
Monday, Dec. 3
Work on the mandala commences.
University President Elsa Nuñez hosts University and community welcome and open
reception at 5 p.m. in the Akus Gallery.
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Work continues on the mandala.
Wednesday, Dec. 5
Work continues on the mandala.
University Hour lecture and demonstration: 3 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 6
Work continues on the mandala; viewing hours extended to 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7
Work continues on the mandala.
Saturday, Dec. 8
Completion of the mandala.
Sunday, Dec. 9
9 a.m.-noon: Dismantling and mandala dispersal ceremony.
Reception at the Akus Gallery sponsored by the Visual Arts Club immediately after dispersal ceremony.
University sponsors include: the Office of the President, the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Institutional Advancement, University Hour Programming, Visual Arts Department, History
Department, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Peace and Human Rights program, Visual Arts Club, Peace and Human Rights Club. Various community sponsors. Special thanks to The Lily Pad.