If you saw the creation of the intricate sand mandala by Buddhist monks at the Frist in February, the thought of it being whisked away into the Cumberland might seem like sacrilege. But in fact, it’s just the opposite — the whole purpose of the meticulously constructed sand mandala is its delicate, ephemeral nature, and the ritual of destroying it is just as necessary to its poignance as the five days (!) of labor it took to create it. The ceremony will be led by the monks of the Mystical Arts of Tibet, a touring group from Drepung Loseling Monastery in South India. The group will meet in the Ingram Gallery, where the mandala has been protected in a glass case for these past three months. The monks will sweep up the colored sand and carry it down Broadway, before disposing of it into the Cumberland River at Riverside Park. The ritual is part of the Frist’s Free Family Day, which includes free admission to all the exhibits, and is also the last day of the Secrets of Buddhist Art exhibit. LAURA HUTSON
Mandala Sand Painting Closing Ceremony
