Tibetan Sand Mandala

Lebanon Valley College hosted the Monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery as they created a sand mandala painting in the Lynch Synodinos Commons from Nov. 1-6. The event was open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. To construct the mandala, monks carefully placed dyed sand particles on a board. This event was sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, the Hurst Diversity Endowment, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Spiritual Life, the General Education Fund, and the Departments of Music, History, Art and Art History, and Religion & Philosophy.

Schedule of Events

Opening Ceremony, Nov. 1, 5 p.m.
Lynch Hall, Synodinos Commons
The monks will chant powerful prayers for peace, prosperity, and healing in traditional overtones—the chant master intoning a full chord of three notes. This chanting will be accompanied by delicate hand gestures, cymbals, drums, horns, and flutes.

Banquet, Nov. 1, Immediately following the Opening Ceremony
West Dining Room, Mund College Center
Tibetan food, an explanation of the opening ceremonies by a Tibetan geshe, and a brief video regarding the history of Buddhism in Tibet will be featured.

Sand Mandala Construction, Nov. 2-6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lynch Hall, Synodinos Commons

Closing Ceremony, Nov. 6, 4-4:30 p.m.
Lynch Hall, Synodinos Commons
During the closing ceremony, the mandala will be deconstructed and the sands will be dispersed in Quittapahilla Creek, symbolizing the impermanence of all phenomena.

Cultural Activities/Events:

  • Tibetan Puja (worship service), Nov. 2, 6 p.m.
  • Tibetan art of Mani Stone Painting, Nov. 3, 6 p.m.
  • Cultural Presentation including a traditional yak dance and debate, Nov. 5, 5 p.m., Leedy Theater, Mund College Center. 

Ticket Information
Tickets for the banquet are $12 for general admission, $5 for non-LVC students, and $30 for a family with children. Space is limited. For reservations, call the Office of Spiritual Life at 717-867-6135 before 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25. All other events are free and open to the public.

Additional Information
For more information about the program, contact Dr. Matthew Sayers at sayers@lvc.edu.
Space is limited for the Mani Stone Painting Workshop. To register, please contact Becky Corum at corum@lvc.edu.