A MANDALA OF COMPASSION – The Sacred Art of Buddhist Sand Mandalas
A Mandala of Compassion:
The Sacred Art of Buddhist Sand Mandalas
Tuesday thru Friday, Sep. 5–8, 2023
Join us as we witness the construction of a sacred sand mandala at the University of Iowa’s Levitt Gallery. Drupon Thinley Ningpo Rinpoche, a master in the art of constructing sand mandalas, will guide the construction process, generously sharing his extensive knowledge and answering questions about this ancient practice. Lama Kalsang and Virginia Blum will join Drupon in making the mandala.
This event will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about this important tradition and its spiritual and philosophical foundations. There will be opportunities for personal and group discussion with Rinpoche during his visit. In addition, we will have three “student” sand mandalas set up for students and community members to try their hand at making a sand mandala.
SCHEDULE:
MANDALA CONSTRUCTION – VIEWING AND DISCUSSION
Tuesday thru Friday, Sep 5 – 8
9:30am to 5:30pm daily
140 Art Building West, Levitt Gallery, University of Iowa
PUBLIC TALK
Tuesday, Sep 5, 7:00pm
240 Art Building West – upstairs
DISSOLUTION OF THE MANDALA AND PROCESSION TO THE RIVER
Friday, Sep 8, 5:30pm
We will begin at the Levitt Gallery, University of Iowa, 140 Art Building West and walk to the river.
LOCATION:
The Sand Mandala will be constructed in the Levitt Gallery – 140 Art Building West at the University of Iowa. There is parking at the back of the building as well as across the street at the theater building lot.
PARKING:
BEFORE 4:30 There is 4-hour parking in the Theater Arts Building parking lot across from the Art Building West. The Park Mobile App is required to park in the Theater Building lot. Download the Park Mobile app.
AFTER 4:30 There is free parking behind the Art Building West.
HOW TO ATTEND:
ALL EVENTS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND ELDER GROUPS WELCOME
Drupon Rinpoche will be available for brief discussions with various groups. If you’re interested in organizing a visit for a group of K-12 students or a group of elders, please reach out to us at admin@milarepaiowa.org to coordinate suitable timings.
QUESTIONS
admin@milarepaiowa.org | 319-249-5340
mailing address: P.O. Box 5352 Coralville, Iowa 52241
SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT:
The creation of a sand mandala is always the result of many auspicious causes and conditions. This event is the result of the Garchen Mila Buddhist Center and the University of Iowa coming together for sponsorship.
This event generously supported by: University of Iowa School of Art and Art History, International Programs, Religious Studies, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies. Supported by the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Betsey Kosier in advance at 319-335-1376 or betsey-kosier@uiowa.edu
