Creating a Mandala

Creating the Sacred Art of a Sand Mandala

You may recognize the word "Kunrig" - we became familiar with it at the time of Bob Saunders's death in September 2023, when we did our own ceremonies at Nalanda, and the monks at Sakya Mundgod Monastery in India did a more elaborate puja on his behalf. We also established a memorial "Kunrig Fund" at Nalanda to support future end-of-life practices. Kunrig (Vairochana in Sanskrit) is the main deity in the Elimination of Bad Rebirths. The traditional 49 days memorial and spiritual practices that lamas can perform near the time of death is to help prepare for the time of death, helping to clear body, speech, and mind of obscurations, attachments and desires in this life, after passing, during the bardo, and in the next life.

Last week, the monks at Mundgod Monastery performed a Maha Vairochana Puja. Many monks worked (3-8 AM!) to construct the Maha Vairochana sand mandala. Jamyang Wangyal, the Monastery Secretary, sent us some amazing photos of the mandala construction process. If you have never witnessed this artistic effort, take time to study the photos to get a sense of the diligence and attention that goes into this ephemeral work of art and devotion. Lama Wangyal writes, "During this sacred ceremony, we dedicated all the merit accumulated to the long life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen, and all Enlightened Masters, praying for the flourishing of their activities. Special prayers were also offered for our Dharma sponsors, well-wishers, and all sentient beings, for longevity, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in the year ahead." Our Nalanda Institute was specifically included within the beneficiaries.

Note from Sakya Monastery, Mundgod, India

March 11, 2025

Dear Geshe Jamyang Tsultrim la, Jan and members of Nalanda Institute,

Warm greetings to you all.

Yesterday, from 3 am to 8 am, under the guidance of Khenchen Jamyang Tenzin Rinpoche, our entire Sangha gathered to perform the preliminary Maha Vairochana Puja. Throughout the day, our young monks diligently worked on the construction of the Mahavairochana Mandala.

We are happy to share with you some beautiful moments captured during the mandala construction — hope you will enjoy them.

During this sacred ceremony, we dedicated all the merit accumulated to the long life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen, and all Enlightened Masters, praying for the flourishing of their activities. Special prayers were also offered for our Dharma sponsors, well-wishers, and all sentient beings, for longevity, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in the year ahead.

You and your family were sincerely included in these prayers, with heartfelt wishes for your health, happiness, and peace.

With deep gratitude for your continued support,

Jamyang Wangyal