Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Drepung Loseling Monastery visit to Savannah

Through associations too complex to explain here, I have spent the last few days visiting the monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery. They have regularly visited Savannah in the past few years, demonstrating the art of sand mandala painting in large public venues. Their most recent visits, however, have been more private and intimate, thanks to the dedication of Gary and Greg Butch. The invitation was open: come and stay as long as you like. I arrived on Monday and sat in on the opening ceremony and the planning of the mandala. On Tuesday, I returned to see the progress. These pictures show the detail and work that goes into the paintings.













I plan on going back again today to see more of the progress they are making. I hope to make it back in town on Sunday to be part of the closing ceremony.
Thank you to Gary and Greg, and to all of the monks for allowing me to be a part of this. I feel truly blessed. Nameste.

For more information on the art of the mandala, please visit http://www.mysticalartsoftibet.org/Mandala.htm#top
For more information about the Drepung Loseling Monastery, please visit http://www.drepung.org/