Sand Mandala

This month, Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling Phukhang Monastery visited the main library in Vancouver, WA and the Central Library in Portland to create sand mandalas.  The sand mandala is not just a pretty design, it is created as a powerful blessing.  We went to hear a talk at the Vancouver Community Library on the sand mandala, in the room where it was being constructed.  I was expecting that they would speak about the tradition and artistry of the mandala's creation, but instead the talk was really about the power of compassion.   Compassion is surely one of the most powerful gifts we can give one another, don't you think?