Drepung Gomang Monastery Sand Mandala

The Asian Studies Program, in partnership with the Howard-Tilton Library, is proud to host the monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery as they create a sand mandala. An ancient art form of Tibetan Buddhism, mandalas are drawings in sand of the world in its divine form and represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into the enlightened mind.

Witness the step-by-step creation of a Chenrezig Sand Mandala from February 19th through the 24th, 2024, on the fifth floor of the Howard-Tilton Library. The opening ceremony will be from 1:00-2:00pm on Monday February 19th, and the monks will return each day of the week to continue their work. Excellent silver jewelry, pure wool shawls, gem stone beads and other items from the Himalayan region, richly embroidered pillowcases, shawls, and other items handcrafted in the monastery by the monks will be available for sale; all proceeds will benefit the monastery.

On Saturday February 24th at 10:30 am, there will be a closing ceremony in which the monks will dissolve the mandala and then travel to the Fly to pour out the sand. All are welcome to attend.