James Silliman
About the Image(s)
While I was teaching at a local college, we were visited by a group on Tibetan monks. During their visit they created a sand mandala. My submission for this month is an image of one of our visitors involved in the creation of such a mandala. Once complete, the sand mandala's ritualistic dismantling is accompanied by ceremonies and viewing to symbolize Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life. Following the dismantling process there was the ceremonial procession to a local creek where the sands where released back into nature to “disperse the healing energies of the mandala.”
I have also included an overview of the mandala, close to completion. In addition, I have included an image of the procession to disperse the sands.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
5 comments posted
As to the photo - that is a nice PJ shot. I would have loved to see sand in the horn. You sure got the bright colors right.   Posted: 01/12/2025 17:14:56
  Posted: 01/12/2025 19:07:53
Thanks for posting this one, the additional images, and background descriptions. It must have been fascinating to observe the artist creating this as well as the dismantling ceremony.
Your photo composition draws me into the frame. The sharp focus and color tones are spot on in this image. For me, the hint of motions of the artist's hands further enhances this image.   Posted: 01/26/2025 00:01:03