Published On:Thursday 23 October 2014
Posted by Celebrate Life Style information Blog
Monks create mandala of sand ahead of Dalai Lama's visit to Princeton
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| Tibetan Monks from Sera Mey Monastery located in southern India work on the Ancient and Sacred Art of the Avalokiteshvara Sand Creation on the campus of Princeton University in East Pyne Hall on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 in advance of a lecture at the university by the Dalai Lama. The work began on Sunday, October 19, 2014. Monks from left, Geshe Trinley and Gelek. (Michael Mancuso | The Times) |
It was one of a number of campus events in the weeks leading up to the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama on Tuesday. There were meditation sessions as well as talks intended to help community members understand the pre-eminent spiritual figure of Buddhism.
“The Dalai Lama and all the Dalai
Lamas are incarnations of a single consciousness,” Jonathan Gold, professor in
the university’s religion department said, explaining the function of the Dalai
Lama in Buddhist tradition.
Gold mentioned that the Dalai
Lama is significant not only as a religious figure, but also as a political
one.
“The Dalai Lamas are considered
special protectors of Tibet,” he said, adding that the role is significant
because the country is engaged in a struggle with the People’s Republic of
China — by which it is governed with limited self-rule — for cultural
preservation and political autonomy.
Retaining cultural customs in
Tibet is a major priority for Tibetan Buddhists in their relationship with
China, Gold explained, but they have also made strides to create worldwide
awareness of the culture. Creating mandalas in public spaces, like the one at
Princeton, serves that purpose.
The monks who are building the
mandala come from the Do Ngak Kumphen Ling monastery in Redding, Conn., and
have created them across the country, exposing passers-by to their cultural
traditions.
“All of the people I’ve talked to
have seemed very impressed,” said Lobsang Sherab, one of the monks, of his
experience at Princeton so far.
“We do get a lot of questions
about the meaning,” he said.
The particular mandala created at
Princeton is especially appropriate for the occasion, as it is representative
of the Buddha of compassion.
“Most Tibetans believe this Lama
is an incarnation of the Buddha of compassion,” Lobsang Dhargey, also from the
Do Ngak Kuphen Ling monastery, said.
The intricate symbol, kept in
place only by gravity, is physically and mentally taxing to complete, he
explained, and the collection of coffee cups near the work testified to the
challenge. The monks are not allowed to refer to any model, instead memorizing
every detail, and leaning over the mandala and meticulously applying the sand
can be painful for a monk’s back, and eyes.
Despite the physical stress, the
monks realized the impact of their work on the campus.
“People recognize our culture.
It’s joyful,” said Lobsang Dhargey.
More information about the Dalai
Lama's visit is available at dalailama.princeton.edu. -NJ.
