Tibetan Monks Disperse Sand Mandala at a Japanese Palace
The Museum of Ethnology Dresden, part of the Saxon State Art Collections (SKD), is hosting a unique event from August 19 to 24, 2025. Four Tibetan monks from the Sera Monastic University in South India, invited by the Buddhist Center Samten Shenpen e.V., will be creating a sand mandala at the Japanisches Palais as part of the "Dialog unter GΓ€sten β Das Damaskuszimmer in Dresden lΓ€dt ein" exhibition.
The intricate process of creating the sand mandala is done in a concentrated and meditative manner, with the monks' prayers and recitations accompanying each step. Over a period of five days, millions of finest sand grains, dyed with natural colors, will be meticulously arranged to form this symbolic artwork.
Each detail of the sand mandala, including shapes and colors, has a profound symbolic meaning. According to Buddhist scriptures, viewing a mandala has a purifying and awakening effect on one's own mind.
The accompanying program includes guided meditations, short lectures by a Geshe monk, and a praise song with Buddhist thoughts on love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. On Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at 11:30 AM, the monks will ritually dismantle the sand mandala.
After dismantling, the sand from the mandala will be swept together and distributed in small bags to the audience. Any remaining sand will be taken together to the Elbe and scattered. This traditional practice symbolises the impermanence of all things and the transient nature of life.
Visitors to the exhibition have the rare opportunity to witness this spiritual and artistic process, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The sand mandala at the Museum of Ethnology Dresden promises to be a captivating and enlightening experience for all.
