We saw in the paper this week that a Buddist Monk would be doing a sand mandala at the Birmingham Art Museum.
The sand mandala is temporary art. It takes two weeks to create the intricate design with colored sand. The end result is beautiful. Once complete, it is immediately swept away. I'm not a Buddist, but I've read up on most religions and one of the marks of existence is impermanence. Nothing here on earth lasts forever. Well, the only exception is the memory of when one poots in yoga class, but nothing else lasts.
So, yesterday we called the kids and asked if they'd like to go to the Art Museum and see the Monk in action. Afterward, we told them we'd go to Niki's. That was the hook because Niki's is one of the best places in Birmingham to eat. They were in.
So we left at 10 and drove into Birmingham. After walking through a number of the exhibits, the Monk came in to work on the mandala. At 11:30 he did a meditation and anyone there who wanted to participate was welcome.
The kids weren't up for it, but Jordan wanted to visit the kid's area where there are tons of activities that allows them to do creative things.
Jilda and I did the meditation. There were about 30 others there as well. It was a peaceful experience.
All in all, it's been a great day.
The sand mandala is temporary art. It takes two weeks to create the intricate design with colored sand. The end result is beautiful. Once complete, it is immediately swept away. I'm not a Buddist, but I've read up on most religions and one of the marks of existence is impermanence. Nothing here on earth lasts forever. Well, the only exception is the memory of when one poots in yoga class, but nothing else lasts.
So, yesterday we called the kids and asked if they'd like to go to the Art Museum and see the Monk in action. Afterward, we told them we'd go to Niki's. That was the hook because Niki's is one of the best places in Birmingham to eat. They were in.
So we left at 10 and drove into Birmingham. After walking through a number of the exhibits, the Monk came in to work on the mandala. At 11:30 he did a meditation and anyone there who wanted to participate was welcome.
The kids weren't up for it, but Jordan wanted to visit the kid's area where there are tons of activities that allows them to do creative things.
Jilda and I did the meditation. There were about 30 others there as well. It was a peaceful experience.
All in all, it's been a great day.
It sounds like a lovely day. I have watched monks constructing thse mandalas - and have been awed at their skill. And mourned for the beauty swept away (despite understanding their message).
ReplyDeleteI have heard of that kind of art and think its great you got to participate. All in all it sound like a great day for everyone, even Jordan!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to have been there to see this in person. A great meditation to make us realize that even all our accomplishments are temporary.
ReplyDeleteHave a peaceful week.
Hugs, Julia
Now that would be something to participate in, I am glad you had a hook to bring the kids along, that was just a bonus for the day.
ReplyDeleteYep, even life, even you reach 78, seems so temporary in the scheme of things. When we are young we think we are a rock and later realize we are more like a mushroom.
ReplyDeleteGood one today my friend, I guess that is why we never graduate from Life 101!
Did you take a picture of the mandala?
ReplyDeleteI'd not heard of the mandala before. No matter one's beliefs, oh my ... what a wonderful lesson.
ReplyDeleteI've been fortunate to see these sand mandalas being made in India and it was a wonderful thing to see.
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