Sand Mandalas are the ancient form of Buddhist art. They are the temporary form of arts. The process of creating and then destroying the mandalas has a symbolic importance for monk practitioners. In Tibet the sand mandala is called Kuktson Kyilkhor, meaning “mandala of colored sand powder.” In Sanskrit, it describes “cosmogram”, or “world in harmony.” According to Tibetan culture, wherever a Sand Mandala is created, all sentient beings and the surrounding environment are blessed. There is outer, inner as well as the secret meaning of every mandala. On the outermost level they represent the world in its divine form; on the inner level, they represent a map with the help of which an ordinary human mind is transformed into an enlightened mind. On the secret level, they represent a perfect balance between body, mind and the soul. The creation of the sand painting is meant to purify and heal on all three levels. Unlike Painted mandalas, Sand mandalas are not permanent. They go into construction and destruction. Before the sand mandala is actually constructed, the place is prayed by monks who will make music, chant and recite prayers and mantras.
