Tibetan Sand Mandala Creation with Lama Losang Samten

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art, in collaboration with TIBETcenter, is honored to host the venerable Lama Losang Samten for a Tibetan Sand Mandala ritual November 9-12. You are invited to watch the creation and eventual destruction of the Sand Mandala. Lama Samten will create the Mandala of Infinite Compassion during his four-day residency at the Museum. The Lama will host evening lectures on Saturday and Sunday evening to discuss his artistic practice and traditions. The schedule is provided below, please check the exact times closer to the date, as they are subject to change.

Thursday, Nov 9

Opening Ceremony: 11:00

Public Viewing Hours: 11:00-1:00, 2:00-5:00

Friday, Nov 10

Public Viewing Hours: 11:00-1:00, 2:00-5:00

Saturday, Nov 11

Public Viewing Hours:  11:00-1:00, 2:00-5:00

Lecture: Ancient Teachings in Modern Times: Buddhism in the 21st Century: 6:00-7:00

Sunday, Nov 12

Public Viewing Hours: 11:00-1:00, 2:00-5:00

Dissolution Ceremony: 4:00-5:00

Lecture: Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Meditation: 6:00-7:00

The event is free with museum admission.

Sand Mandalas:

A sand mandala is a sacred, intricate design made from colored sand in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Its meaning goes beyond its aesthetic beauty:

1. **Spiritual Significance**:

The Sand Mandala of Infinite Compassion is considered a representation of the palace, or home, of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara. He resides in the center of the lotus. The mandala serves as a visual aid for meditation and a focal point for spiritual practices.

2. **Impermanence**: One of the core teachings of Buddhism is impermanence, and sand mandalas embody this concept. They are meticulously constructed by monks over several days, only to be intentionally destroyed upon completion. This process underscores the transient nature of all things.

3. **Healing and Transformation**: Creating a sand mandala is a form of meditation for the monks involved, promoting inner peace and mindfulness. It's believed that the energy and intentions put into the mandala can have a healing and transformative effect on both the creators and observers.

4. **Cultural Expression**: Sand mandalas are also a cultural expression of Tibetan Buddhism. They are used in various rituals and ceremonies, and their creation and dissolution are often accompanied by chants, prayers, and rituals.

About Losang Samten:

The Venerable Lama Losang Samten is a renowned Tibetan scholar and former Buddhist monk who was born in Tibet in 1953. Following political unrest, Lama Samten's family fled Tibet and sought refuge in Nepal in 1959. Shortly after, his family relocated to Dharamsala,  India in 1965 along with other Tibetan refugees. His education includes studies at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and the Namgyal Monastery where he received the equivalent of a Ph.D. in Buddhist Philosophy.  Lama Samten has held many prestigious positions, such as the Personal Attendant to His Holiness XIV Dalai Lama, and awarded many fellowship and honorary degrees. Lama Samten is the spiritual director of the Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia and travels extensively sharing his knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and meditation, as well as showcasing his skills in Tibetan ritual art.

Since 1988, he has been demonstrating the meditative art of sand painting in the US. He has since been invited to many prestigious American museums including the American Museum of Natural History, where he constructed the first Tibetan mandala in the West, The Smithsonian Institution, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lama Samten's rich knowledge of Buddhism and Tibetan ritual arts has earned him reputable positions, such as a Tibetan Language professor at The University of Pennsylvania. 

About TIBETcenter Chicago: 

TIBETcenter is a 501c3  not-for-profit Tibetan art and culture organization located in Evanston. The center endeavors to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Tibet. The organization was founded in January 1999 with the blessing of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.