Visiting monks create sand mandala at Denis Hurley Centre
Three Tibetan monks in robes will laboriously spend seven days chiselling away at coloured rocks to create an intricate spiritual image.
THE Denis Hurley Centre in Durban will host three Tibetan monks who will create a Buddhist sand mandala at the centre from 14 October.
The monks will spend seven days chiselling away at coloured rocks to create an intricate spiritual image while praying and chanting.
The monks will be travelling with companions from Tibet who will be on hand to explain more about the religion and culture of Tibet. There will also be an opportunity for people to buy Tibetan products and to colour in their own mandalas.
“This is a powerful expression of inter-faith solidarity,” commented Raymond Perrier, Director of the Denis Hurley Centre.
“It gives us an opportunity to learn the ancient wisdom of religious art and healing associated with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. We also want to share our own traditions with the visitors, so we are delighted that, at the same time, a group of Durban beach artists will be creating a sand sculpture outside the Denis Hurley Centre: the sand mandala meets the sand Mandela!”
Elizabeth Gaywood from the Tibet Society of SA, who is sponsoring the visit, added that the last time such an event was created in Durban was at KZNSA eight years ago. “It was important to us to include Durban in this national tour because it is a city with such a reputation for religious tolerance.”
On Sunday 21 October at 3.30pm, the image will be ceremoniously swept away and the sand carried to the sea. The sand is totally natural and will not harm the environment in any way.
Elizabeth explained: “This is to remind us that all art and beauty on this earth is transitory and only the things of heaven will last.”
The creation of the sand mandala will be open for public viewing from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 October from 10am to 4pm each day. Safe parking is opposite, below Victoria Street Market. Groups from schools and other organisations should book in advance by emailing raymond@denishurleycentre.org.
Janet Talbot, education specialist working with the DHC said it was a wonderful experience for school learners and a chance to teach them about, among other things, religious art, eastern religions, spiritual healing and even Chinese politics.
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