Mandala means literally “that which extracts the essence.” There are many different types of mandalas used by Tibetan Buddhists. They can be created in either two or three dimensions. The ones on the monks’ tour will be two-dimensional sand mandalas. These are without doubt the most creative, labor intensive, and concentration intensive of all mandalas created. The ones provided on the tour will require between two and five days of effort, completed by several monks at a time, including several Mandala Masters. Prayers are said throughout the making of the mandala. Traditionally, upon completion, the mandala is swept up and placed in a river, lake, or ocean as an offering to purify the surrounding environment. It is possible to make the mandala permanent. Please let the monks know in advance if you wish to preserve the mandala.
Pricing for the sand mandalas vary. A small version (approx. 1.5 ft by 1.5 ft) is usually done in one to two days, with the largest (approx. 5 ft by 5 ft) taking four to five days. We generally seek funding from corporate sponsors, private donors, grants or venues such as universities, museums, etc., that have budgets for these types of events. However, people can also arrange for one to be made and preserved in their home. Cost is $1500 to $2000 per day.
Sand Mandalas Offered
