This sand mandala was created by Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to New Orleans. I was with my ten year old daughter's class on a field trip to the Audobon Zoo, and we scooted out early to take a look and experience the mandala's dismantling ceremony. The sands had been blessed by His Holiness upon its completion earlier that day, making the creation very sacred and special. Following its deconstruction ceremony, we walked with a thousand other people and the monks to the Mississippi River where they were dispersed for world healing.
A few moments made me smile more than others. First of all, my daughter's interest in the creation itself and then the ceremony really touched me. The photo of the mountain like structures above is shared because she was captivated by their presence in the midst of the intricacies. She had spotted them before me, and I was very appreciated of her eyes and view. The monks' chants and playing of instruments swelled my person and transported me. As I watched and listened, I was moved to wonder. I giggled out loud when the kind woman coordinating and announcing to the large crowd explained how we were to move to the river with the monks. I'm not sure if she was concerned that we would kick into Second Line mode dancing and pulling out white handkerchiefs to wave in the air, or just didn't know that New Orleanians know quite well how to proceed through the streets following a group of musicians. I found subtle similarities, and really appreciate the ritualistic intersections. Finally, it was quite the visual juxtaposition with the monks wearing their high, golden arched hats walking in front of and through the Mardi Gras World warehouse to get to the river. I really soaked it up, and wished that I was one of the credentialed photographers right there in front with them to capture it all. My minds eye has keeper set of images.
Also to note that I've written this entry on May 27 following the week of this same group of monks visiting Baton Rouge and pouring the sands of another mandala into the Mississippi River again. Looking back at these photos and now knowing them a bit more, I truly appreciate the newness of this experience. How fortunate to witness it two times over a one week period.
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