Tibetan Buddhist Mandala and Related Events 10/3–10/9

By Eric Steinschneider, September 30, 2023

Join Us For A Special Experience!

From October 4–9, Tibetan Buddhist monks from Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies will construct a mandala (geometric religious diagram) out of different colors of sand in the Upper Atrium of the School of Business. Come visit the Atrium anytime between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to witness the construction of this beautiful ritual object. At 3:00 p.m. each day, the monks will pause their work to lead a brief session of chanting and meditation. All are welcome to attend. More information about the event can be found on the mandala website.

Several additional events will occur on and off campus in conjunction with the mandala project. These include:

  1. An opportunity to share sacred/special objects with members of the IC community – Tuesday, October 3 • 12–1 p.m. • Klingenstein Lounge • Refreshments Provided
  2. A screening of the film My Reincarnation – Wednesday, October 4 • 6:30-8:00 p.m. • Park 279 
  3. An informal, roundtable discussion on the nature and relevance of religion – Thursday, October 5 • 12:00–1:00 p.m. • Klingenstein Lounge • Refreshments Provided
  4. A public talk on the significance of Tibetan Buddhist mandalas by Cornell professor of religion and Asian studies Jane-Marie Law – Thursday, October 5 • 6:00–8:00 p.m. • Klingenstein Lounge • Refreshments Provided
  5. An open house event for all ages where people can sketch, color, and/or stitch a mandala while learning more about Buddhist traditions. – Sunday, October 8 • 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Soil Factory (142 Ithaca Beer Drive) and 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Business School Upper and Lower Atrium

Also, not to be missed is the visually striking dissolution ceremony on Monday, Oct. 9, when the monks will dismantle the mandala and carry the sands to the pond next to Muller Chapel. Venerable Tenzin Choesang, President of Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies, will attend this event and deliver a brief talk about the monastery and the teachings of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.

We hope you can join us!

Those with questions are advised to contact Eric Steinschneider, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, at esteinschneider@ithaca.edu, or Diana Dimitrova, Director, International Student and Scholar Services, at ddimitrova@ithaca.edu.