You might have seen the video I posted on Facebook of monks making a sand painting. Before I leave this subject, I’d like to say a little more about it.
The artists are a group of Tibetan monks living in India who come to the USA for eleven months to demonstrate the ancient practice of painting with sand. It is tedious work as they crouch over the mandala and create a vibration that makes several grains of colored sand spill out onto a table in intricate patterns. I say it is tedious, but they probably wouldn’t use that word to describe their experience. The mandala is used as an object of contemplation. It depicts the pure nature of the world in which we live as well as how we can live most effectively. The monks study the shapes of the mandala and commit it to memory. That is their guide for the painting.
This reminds me of wisdom that I recently heard in response to a question about being impatient for personal growth. “The more you enjoy the process itself, the faster it will go. Experience with vitality everything that happens as something to investigate and will increase your understanding of who and what you are as a co-creator.” Making a sand painting offers much more than the obvious beauty, both to us and to the creators. It is also a tool for self-reflection and growth, the joy of community and reverence for letting go.
Dear Ellie, I really enjoyed reading what you wrote and thank you for reminding me to enjoy the process. That’s really what makes me happiest if I am honest and think about it. Your picture of the sand painting is beautiful.