Tibetan sand mandala comes to Hi-Desert Artists Art Center this week (11/25)
A team of Tibetan Buddhist monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery will visit the Hi-Desert Artists (HDA) Art Center in Yucca Valley to create a sacred Manjushri sand mandala from November 25 to 30.
Put together grain by grain, a sand mandala is a geometric work of art symbolizing the enlightened universe. Each line and color is shaped through meditation, prayer, and intention. This mandala will honor Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, and is created as an offering for healing, clarity, and peace.
Once completed, the mandala is swept away in a ceremony that emphasizes the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.
Throughout the week the HDA, the local Buddhist community, and Gaden Shartse monks will offer ceremonies, teachings, and cultural programs alongside the mandala’s creation. The event kicks off Tuesday morning (November 25) with a Mandala Opening Ceremony at Hi-Desert Artists Center, located at 55635 29 Palms Hwy., on the southwest corner of Geronimo Trail. All events are open to the public. Donations are welcome but not required.
Program schedule:
- Nov. 25 | 11 AM — Mandala Opening Ceremony (Hi-Desert Artists)
- Nov. 25 | 6 PM — Life at Gaden Shartse Monastery (Yucca Shala)
- Nov. 26 | 11AM — Tibetan Chanting Tea Ceremony (Hi-Desert Artists)
- Nov. 26 | 6 PM — Bardo Teachings & Sacred Item Blessings
- Nov. 28 | 6 PM — Vajravadarin Healing Ceremony (Yucca Valley CSL)
- Nov. 29 | 11 AM–2 PM — Family Day: Tibetan Arts & Culture (Hi-Desert Artists)
- Nov. 29 | 6 PM — Manjushri Empowerment
- Nov. 30 | 1 PM — Mandala Dissolution Ceremony (Hi-Desert Artists)
- Nov. 30 | 3 PM — Water Blessing & Pet Blessing (Beatnik Lounge)
