The Museum is host to a remarkable unfolding of a new universe near the main entrance. This one is a mandala for healing the sick – Buddha Amitayus (Tsepa-Mey) being built by three visitng Tibetan Monks from the Dakpa Khangsten Drepung Loseling Monastery in southern India.
A Tibetan sand mandala is a tool for gaining wisdom and compassion. Monks meditate upon the mandala, imagining it as a three dimensional palace with a principal deity housed in the centre. The next to be built is the mandala for spreading Long life and peace throughout the world — Buddha Akshobhya ( mitrukpa) .
According to Buddhist scripture, sand mandalas transmit positive energies to the environment as well as the people who view them. A mandala’s healing power extends to the whole world even before it is swept up and dispersed in water, a further expression of sharing the mandala’s blessings with all.
The monks are creating the mandalas until Monday 7 December, and will be destroyed on 8 December. If you are interested in learning more about our Tibetan visitors click on the World Maitreya Karuna Foundation (WMKF), a registered non-profit organisation established by Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Demchok.
Photography by Sotha Bourn
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Posty by Helen Whitty, Manager Public Programs
