Mandala Sand Painting Closing Ceremony

This ceremony will mark the end of the Drepung Loseling Monastery's visit to the New Castle Public Library. This closing ceremony will feature the dismantling of the mandala that has been created throughout the week.

Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion. This is done as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are swept up 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. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, and from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.

Patrons are invited to attend this striking event featuring music and chants, and will have the opportunity to take home some of the sand that made up the mandala.