Cosmic Design: Tibetan Mandala Exhibition

Opening alongside Images of Devotion, the exhibition “Cosmic Design: Tibetan Mandala” will feature a selection of mandalas, most from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, UK Trust. The Mandala, a diagram of perfect worlds which buddhas inhabit, is found in various types of artwork in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and within Buddhism has also developed into sandpainting. The creation of a sand mandala takes place over several days. It is made with sand poured from traditional metal funnels called chak-pur. The chak-pur is held in one hand while a metal rod is run along its serrated surface to produce vibrations, which cause the sands to flow like liquid. Once completed, the mandala is ceremonially destroyed as a lesson in impermanence. A sand mandala is also thought to benefit all those who view it.

The centrepiece of this exhibition will be a visit by Tibetan Buddhist monks from the world renowned Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in India, from 14th- 19th of October. The monks will spend six days creating a sand mandala, which they will destroy in a traditional ritual during a ceremony of chanting and music. The destruction of the mandala will take place on Sunday 19th October, with the sand then being carried in procession to Pulteney Bridge, where it will be poured into the River Avon.

Venue

Museum of East Asian Art, Central Bath

Dates

9 Sep 2008 - 9 Dec 2008