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University of Mary Welcomes Monks and the Sacred Arts of Tibet

Presented by University of Mary

September 21-September 24, 2010

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Bismarck, ND — Tibetan Buddhist monks will be visiting the University of Mary campus Tuesday, September 21, through Friday, September 24. During this time they will be making a sand mandala in Chick’s Place. Students, faculty and media are free to sit and watch, visit with the monks, take photos and ask questions. Their intention is to educate the community.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning “circle.” A mandala is a sacred art and mandalas constructed from sand are unique to Tibetan Buddhism and are believed to effect purification and healing. Typically, a great teaching chooses the specific design of the mandala to be created. Monks then begin construction of the sand mandala by consecrating the site with sacred chants and music. Next, they make detailed drawing from memory. Over a number of days, they will fill in the design with millions of grains of colored sand. At its completion, the mandala is consecrated. Buddhism stresses the impermanent nature of existence, so once the mandala is completed, the monks will destroy the mandala by sweeping up the colored grains of sand and dispersing them in flowing water.

The monks’ visit focuses on the University of Mary core concept of spirituality and ethics, with emphasis on the ability to assess the value and role of spirituality and religion in human societies and describe the relationship between the Benedictine values and the values of other religious traditions. In addition, the visit of the monks explores the core concept of global stewardship with emphasis on developing a greater ability to analyze the impact of contemporary, historical and cultural perspectives.

The monks will be working on the mandala and will be available to speak with the public and media during the time they are in Chick’s Place. Feel free to sit and watch, take photos, or interact with the monks.