Monks to build sand mandala, perform sacred music and dance at WCU
Monks from the Drepung Loseling monastery will demonstrate the art of mandala sand painting and perform sacred music and dance on Sept. 9-13 at Western Carolina University
A sand mandala will be created in the A.K. Hinds University Center Grandroom. Derived from the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, the sand mandala is considered a tool for healing the earth. Chants and music at an opening ceremony at noon on Sept. 9 will precede the drawing of an outline on a wooden platform on which lamas will lay millions of grains of different colored sand. The sand will depict geometric shapes and ancient spiritual symbols. When complete on Sept. 13, the sand mandala will be ceremoniously dismantled at a noon closing ceremony. Sand will be swept up to symbolize impermanence and poured into a body of water to send healing energies to the world. The demonstrations and ceremonies are free and open to the public.
Multi-phonic singers from the monastery will perform “Sacred Music Sacred Dance” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center The group has performed with acts ranging from Philip Glass to Paul Simon and the Beastie Boys. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others.
www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479 or www.ace.wcu.edu.
