37. Mandala Creation-This is a picture of a Tibetan Monk from the Drepung Gomang Monastery (www.gomang.org) finishing a beautiful Sand Mandala of Compassion that was made in Cincinnati the week of Dec 18-23, 2005. Aaron added some of the Chakras and energy levels that he experienced while being at this sacred ceremony. The ancient designs of the mandalas are tediously created by at least 4 monks over at least 50 hours. A variety of stones, herbs, and flowers are ground up into sand and spread with metal funnels by vibrating two together to create this beautiful sacred art. Once finished, the monks perform a sacred ceremony of chanting and music to invoke the power of the Mandala. It is then swept up and distributed into the local streams and rivers to spread its blessing to the whole community.
