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Monks Create a Mandula, a Symbol of the Universe from Sand, as Part of the Mystical Arts of Tibet Series of Events through November 18

Monks creating a mandula in University Hall

The Mystical Arts of Tibet, a world tour endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is being held at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J, in a series of events that will continue through November 18, 2018.

The tour is intended to promote peace and healing by sharing Tibet’s rich and authentic sacred performing and visual arts with modern audiences. The monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery will be in residence at William Paterson with a variety of activities that are free unless otherwise noted.

Through Saturday November 17, in University Hall, the public is invited to watch the monks create a mandala, a symbol of the universe, from sand. From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite.

Hours to view the Mandala creation are:
Thursday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, November 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

On Saturday, November 17, there will be a closing ceremony and hike at 2 p.m. beginning in University Hall. Traditionally most sand mandalas are deconstructed shortly after their completion as a metaphor of the impermanence of life. The sands are swept and placed in an urn—to fulfill the function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water, where it is deposited. Participants may join the monks as they hike to disperse the sand.

On Sunday, November 18, at 3 p.m. in Shea Center, there will be a Sacred Music Sacred Dance. Robed in magnificent costumes and playing traditional Tibetan instruments, the Loseling monks perform the multiphonic chanting of ancient temple music and dance for world healing. Admission is $15.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for the November 18 event, visit wp-presents.org or call 973.720.2371.