Tibetan Buddhist Monk Creates Sand Mandala at The Masters School

Lama Tenzin, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, is creating a colorful, intricate sand Mandala by hand this week at The Masters School. On Friday, April 20, at 3:00 p.m., he will dismantle the Mandala during a traditional ceremony that includes Lama Tenzin and students walking down to the Hudson River to deposit the sand, reminding us of the impermanence of all earthly matter. 

Both middle school and upper school classes are visiting him as he works in the McKnight Room, which is part of the school’s library. Masters School students, faculty, alumnae/i, and parents are also visiting individually to talk with Lama Tenzin and learn about the history and significance of Mandalas.  He works on the Mandala each day from approximately 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

According to Lama Tenzin, “There are many different levels of lessons that one can learn from the Mandala depending on one’s mental disposition, interest, and Karma. But generally speaking, the Mandala is a reflection or expression of our inner self--- our inner positive qualities. It presents us with opportunities of how to cherish those qualities and a means to rid ourselves of negative qualities, so we may be happy and peaceful.

“The Mandala painting itself is very beautiful art, but the main beauty and the uniqueness of the Mandala is in the meaning behind it, which can beautify our life and world. The construction is also considered as a blessing for the area and for the people who live where it is constructed.”  

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