Tibetan Sand Mandala Experience

Join IFIC and the Tibetan monks of the historic Gaden Shartse Monastery in South India as they assemble a traditional sand mandala at UC Davis Medical Center. A mandala, meaning “that which extracts the essence,” is created grain-by-grain in a deeply meditative artistic practice.

Throughout the day, monks will work on the mandala and invite staff, patients, and visitors to observe this thoughtful and historic art form. Once the mandala is complete, it will be purposefully dissolved in a ceremony that honors the Buddhist teaching of impermanence. The sand—representing the transience of all phenomena—is swept up and traditionally placed in a river, lake, or ocean to bless and purify the surrounding environment.

During the closing ceremony, attendees will receive a small portion of the sand so this message of mindfulness, compassion, and impermanence can be carried into our community.

This event is open to all UC Davis Health Employees. Participation is voluntary and release time can be coordinated with your Supervisor.

Photography may be present at this event for the purposes of communications, marketing, and advertisements.

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Host or Publisher UC Davis Health Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion