The Office of Cultural Affairs
Tibetan Monks' Residency 2024
For the eighth time, 6 Tibetan monks from the famed Drepung Loseling Institute, with blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are in residence at SU. Sponsored by the Office of Cultural Affairs and University Dining Services.
The Mystical Arts of Tibet: Mandala Sand Painting
Schedule of Events
March 11 - March 15, 2024
Holloway Hall, Great Hall
- Monday, March 11, Noon - Opening CeremonyThe monks begin by consecrating the site of the mandala sand painting with approximately 30 minutes of chants, music and mantra recitation.
- Drawing of the Lines - Immediately following the Opening Ceremony
The monks start drawing the line design for the mandala. This is very exacting work that takes about three hours to complete. Construction begins immediately following drawing of the lines.
Mandala Construction
- Monday, March 11, Noon - 7 p.m.
- Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. - NoonFollowing the drawing of the lines, the monks lay on the colored sands, which is effected by pouring the sand from traditional metal funnels called chak-purs. Each monk holds a chak-pur in one hand, while running a metal rod on its grated surface; the vibration causes the sands to flow like liquid. The finished mandala is approximately 5 feet by 5 feet. The Mandala to be created is Akshobhya - The Unshakable Victor for conflict transformation & peace.
Associated Lectures
- Holloway Hall, Great Hall, 7 p.m.
Lectures are approximately one hour in length and followed by a question/answer period.
A Taste of Tibet Dinner
- Tuesday, March 12, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Commons Marketplace
- Price: $15.75 + tax, Youth ages 4-11, $8.45 + tax, Children age 3 and under, FREE