A sand mandala created by the Monks of the Gyuto Tantric University — Monks of the Gyuto Tantric University, Tibet. Yamantaka Mandala (detail), 1991, Colored silicate and adhesive on wood. Gift of funds from the Gyuto Tantric University; 3M; Construction Materials, Inc.; and the Asian Art Council, 92.44

Green Tara Sand Mandala Creation

In celebration of the opening of the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room: The Alice S. Kandell Collection on September 14, Tibetan Nuns from the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery will be at Mia assembling a sand mandala the week of September 9. Visitors are encouraged to observe the nuns as they create this intricate work. Stop by September 10 through 13 between the hours of 10 am and 5pm to see the process.

Can’t make it in person? Watch a live stream on Mia’s YouTube.

The September 14 opening festival will feature a lecture by the Dalai Lama’s translator, Thupten Jinpa Langri, dance performances by the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, catered lunch, and a live sand mandala demonstration and consecration ceremony by the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery.

After a week on view, on the morning of Saturday, September 21st, the Green Tara Sand Mandala will be disassembled.

Schedule of Events
Monday, Sept 9 – Friday, Sept 13, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Throughout each day, the Nuns of Jangchub Choeling will assemble the Green Tārā Mandala. They will work from memory, without any reference designs, to create their masterpiece. On the final day of the assembly, a brief dedication prayer for the betterment of all sentient beings will conclude its creation.

Saturday, Sept 14 at 2:45 p.m.
A 15-minute consecration ceremony will occur during which the nuns will offer prayers accompanied by a damaru (a small two-headed drum), a cymbal, a tingsha, a vajra, and a bell. The prayers and accompanying music signify the impermanence of everyday existence.

Saturday, Sept 21 at 10 a.m.

We welcome you to join the Sand Mandala dismantling ceremony and its dispersal into the Mississippi River. Starting at 10 a.m., the nuns will begin dismantling the Green Tārā Sand Mandala. Following the ritual, the nuns will carefully place each segment of the mandala into jars. The jars will be taken to the Mississippi River–the body of flowing water nearest to Mia–where the nuns will offer the sand to the river while uttering the final words of the Buddha: “Impermanence is inescapable. Everything vanishes.” We will be joined by our partners, the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM). The detailed schedule is below. If you have questions, please contact visit@artsmia.org or call (612) 870- 3000.

Small plastic bags will be available so that the public may take a small sand remembrance of the event.

9:30 am – Jangchub Choeling Nuns arrive at Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), Target Wing, Star Tribune Atrium, Ground floor
10:00 am – Museum opens, Sand Mandala Dismantling Ceremony begins at Mia (15min)
10:30 am – Cars/carpools leave from Mia to Mississippi River East River Flats Park location by University of Minnesota and parking (20 mins). The actual dispersal will take place past the UMN Boathouse accessible walkway to the river. In the event of any issues a backup location is a few yards away off the East River Flats park.
11:00 am – Ceremony and Dispersing Sand into river (15min)
11:30am – Closing of event and Depart

Parking & Location Information:
There is a small pay-lot at the East River Flats Park, Carpools are encouraged.
Additional paid parking is available at the East River Road Garage

In partnership with the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota

tibetan american foundation of minnesota logo

_{Monks of the Gyuto Tantric University, Tibet. Yamantaka Mandala (detail), 1991, Colored silicate and adhesive on wood. Gift of funds from the Gyuto Tantric University; 3M; Construction Materials, Inc.; and the Asian Art Council, 92.44}