Chenrezig Sand Mandala- Doylestown, PA

It has been 4 years since the Tibetan Monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery visited Doylestown. Thank you to Sun Dog Yoga for hosting the monks this week. They were creating the Chenrezig Sand Mandala. It is the compassionate Buddha, and I agree that we need more compassion in the world. For me, it was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend seeing one being created if you have the opportunity. The monks began creating the sand mandala on Monday, September 12th, and dissolved it on Saturday, September 16th. I visited each day and loved the peaceful energy. The “sand” used is ground granite from India that is dyed.

This week for me was amazing and so much love was felt. I really see how nothing is permanent. We all must enjoy the good times and know that struggles will end as well.

Creating the Sand Mandala

Monks Chanting and Praying

Every sand mandala creation and ceremony I have attended has been different. The monks started and concluded each sand mandala creation with chanting and prayers. This was in addition to the two-hour prayers and chanting that took place on Friday night. Here is a video that I uploaded on YouTube of the chanting from Thursday, September 14th.

Sand Mandala Dissolving Ceremony

I remember the first time I saw a Sand Mandala dissolve. It was an extremely emotional experience, and this time was no different. Once it is created, the monks have a ceremony to dissolve the sand mandala. The message is clear – nothing is permanent, and one should not be attached.

Releasing of the Sand

After the Sand Mandala is dissolved, the monks distribute a small amount to everyone in attendance. They also take a portion of it to a body of water and release it. This was my first time attending this part of the ceremony. It will not be the last.