“Sand-painted Mandalas are used as tools for consecrating the earth and its inhabitants. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, in general all Mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in it s divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into an enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and healing on all three levels.”
Mandala in Sanskrit means “circle” and is representative of the wholeness of harmony at the core of Buddhism.
Each mandala is a 2-dimensional expression of a 3-dimensional sacred structure, also known in Buddhism as the celestial palace of the Buddha which is inhabited by enlightened beings. All of the colors, patterns, and deities shown in the mandalas represent the qualities of an enlightened being.
“In Vajrayana Buddhism, it is said that wherever a Sand Mandala is created, all sentient beings and the surrounding environment are blessed. … It is said that for children in particular, upon seeing the Sand Mandala, one is left with very positive imprints which will germinate as sprouts of peace as they grow older.”
The process to create a sand mandala is very painstaking and millions of grains of sand are poured through a tiny funnel which is tapped very delicately so that each grain falls into its designated place. In ancient times, crushed precious stones and gems were used in place of sand. Each mandala requires a great deal of patience and mindfulness to complete, as it takes up to a week from start to finish.
