This mandala was made tonight by myself and my graduating wellness coaches! For our graduation ceremony, we chant while making a mandala of dried grains and beans. Each time I do this ceremony, I am amazed at how we all work together without speaking to one another. Each time a distinctly beautiful creation is the result.
The mandala is a lesson in impermanence. Traditionally, Buddhist monks will make elaborate mandalas from colored sand, then sweep them away when they are finished. This lesson teaches us to enjoy what we have while it is there, but not to hold on too tightly because things change. Nothing is permanent, but that doesn't mean we cannot find joy in temporary occurances.
In our class, we shake the mandala to the center of the cloth on which it was constructed. Then we divide up the mixed beans and grains for everyone to take home. This way, everyone gets to make mandala soup with the foods we all blessed through chanting. It is a ceremony that leaves me feeling joyful every time I do it. Thank you to all my lovely students: past, present, and future!
The mandala is a lesson in impermanence. Traditionally, Buddhist monks will make elaborate mandalas from colored sand, then sweep them away when they are finished. This lesson teaches us to enjoy what we have while it is there, but not to hold on too tightly because things change. Nothing is permanent, but that doesn't mean we cannot find joy in temporary occurances.
In our class, we shake the mandala to the center of the cloth on which it was constructed. Then we divide up the mixed beans and grains for everyone to take home. This way, everyone gets to make mandala soup with the foods we all blessed through chanting. It is a ceremony that leaves me feeling joyful every time I do it. Thank you to all my lovely students: past, present, and future!