The sand`s mandala

This photographic, show us the sand`s mandala.  A mandala is figure with sacred geometry for the Buddhism, have very axis of symmetry, like when we see into the kaleidoscope. The Hinduism have similar figures, but only whit straight lines, they called Yantras.

 The sand`s mandala, how they name indicates, is make with sand, with sand of very different colors. Formerly the powders to elaborate sand mandalas were prepared with semi-precious stones. Was used for blue lapis lazuli, rubies for red, etc. It is now prepared with marble dust stained and-sometimes-with fine white sand beach.

Is make for a few buddhist monk elected for a dalai lama, in the ceremony of the KalaChakra (wheel of time). This monk has this complex figure internalized in their minds. Only need meditate for visualize.

The sand`s mandala, is make up in a very ritual context. Before they begin they preparation, have place a ceremony to consecrate the place by invoking the enlightened beings. Then, they begin to draw with lines that serve as guide for placing the sand. All this is learned by heart and is based closely on the Buddhist scriptures; there is no way for error or improvisation.

Then they start to put the sand from the center toward the edges, symbolizing the fact that at birth we are just a drop of sperm and egg, and we are evolving until the whole universe is perceived through the senses. When the mandala is finished and it's time to dismantle it, the sand is collected from the edges to the center, representing how the death returned back to the primary source in the center of our hearts.

This is it:

This long ceremony is realized for the Dalai Lama, and receives 500.000 pilgrims. For the 10 days that last.