Tibetan Monks Mandala Sand Painting at the Woodland
The ceremonial aspects are quite moving, even in print. I hope some of that water flows toward CT. 
Nice opening ceremony - you can watch the drawing of the lines live here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryiEiOEeWs8
Today they completed an area about 10 inches in diameter in 2.5 hrs. They will work for 4 more days to complete the Mandela ..check the woodland web site for exact timing
Watching was a very clear message of how the work was enmeshed in meditation. It was very precise and painstakingly methodical in it's creation. It was slow with purpose and so engaging ...see the program and follow it's message daily .the experience is so worth it .
Watching each step..each little movement that carefully placed the sand where it belonged was a continuous lesson in patience and the value of time .
Easy to see the similar parallels that enrich different cultures. Try to come daily to follow the progress made by this group of contemplative Tibetan monks. Watching is meditative .
I REALLY want to go to this but would have to schlep my (crazy, strapped-into-a-carrier) toddler and (well behaved) preschooler along. Would this totally ruin the vibe or should I beg Grandma to come over and watch them while I go by myself?
I'm usually very conscious about whether my kids are "ready" for an activity or a place, because I don't want to make it terrible for either them or the other patrons...usually I say to myself, "Ah, we'll just go next year" but there won't be a "next year" this time!
Are you in mothers/more by chance? I would be willing to coordinate with others so we could swap out parents checking it out while parents watch kiddos at strawberry fields or elsewhere. This depends on your toddler being cool with a stranger. I have a 4yo.
afa said:
I REALLY want to go to this but would have to schlep my (crazy, strapped-into-a-carrier) toddler and (well behaved) preschooler along. Would this totally ruin the vibe or should I beg Grandma to come over and watch them while I go by myself?
I'm usually very conscious about whether my kids are "ready" for an activity or a place, because I don't want to make it terrible for either them or the other patrons...usually I say to myself, "Ah, we'll just go next year" but there won't be a "next year" this time!
There were lots of babies and toddlers yesterday, including my own squirmy 15 month old. I would quickly walk out if she started making unhappy noises then head back in after distracting her outside for a few minutes. Definitely do not miss the opportunity to witness this even if you have to bring the kids. It's beyond moving and powerful
I very much want to see this but have a hectic schedule. Are viewing hours posted anywhere? I don't see them listed anywhere.
Iirc 10-5 today and 12-8 the rest of the week. Sat they finish up with a a closing ceremony at 5pm?
Tuesday 10am - 5 pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8 pm
Thursday 12pm - 8pm
Friday 12 pm - 8pm
Saturday 12pm -5 pm, closing ceremony 6-7pm
I do not know how to post links. The schedule and other activities surrounding the event can be viewed on thewoodlandnj.com site and maplewood cultural affairs Facebook page.
afa said:
I REALLY want to go to this but would have to schlep my (crazy, strapped-into-a-carrier) toddler and (well behaved) preschooler along. Would this totally ruin the vibe or should I beg Grandma to come over and watch them while I go by myself?
I'm usually very conscious about whether my kids are "ready" for an activity or a place, because I don't want to make it terrible for either them or the other patrons...usually I say to myself, "Ah, we'll just go next year" but there won't be a "next year" this time!
Don't know if this helps, they have a prayer flag making activity going on during the event, that might occupy your toddler for a little bit. We missed the opening ceremony yesterday, but the closing ceremony should be interesting for the very little ones too.
istudymemory said:
Are you in mothers/more by chance? I would be willing to coordinate with others so we could swap out parents checking it out while parents watch kiddos at strawberry fields or elsewhere. This depends on your toddler being cool with a stranger. I have a 4yo.
afa said:
I REALLY want to go to this but would have to schlep my (crazy, strapped-into-a-carrier) toddler and (well behaved) preschooler along. Would this totally ruin the vibe or should I beg Grandma to come over and watch them while I go by myself?
I'm usually very conscious about whether my kids are "ready" for an activity or a place, because I don't want to make it terrible for either them or the other patrons...usually I say to myself, "Ah, we'll just go next year" but there won't be a "next year" this time!
This is a great idea, but the toddler won't even stay with my husband for any length of time!! I think I'll take my chances and try to go tomorrow after she's had a good nap.
This is today's link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb1OtCuEmb8&feature=youtu.be
Jamie, is that video link working properly? I can't get it to play, although the earlier one did.
jamie said:
works for me - there's a countdown on it now until it goes live at 10.
Oh, DUH. Sorry about that. 
And thank you for this!
Will not open here for me ...says will open but that was 5 minutes ago
It is a very welcoming atmosphere so those with little kids should not hesitate to attend .
Watching the Monks at work may be a few minutes for some of longer for others ...there are activities for kids in the room off of the main sand room .
Stay a few minutes or stay the whole day ...they work from 10-5 today ..then there will be an event at the library .here all week then they are gone .
I'm only getting the logo as well - trying to stream at work. Maybe someone over there should check the feed?
Looks like the original link - recorded the town logo for 5 minutes - this was removed. I'm sure they're trying to figure it out.
Featured Events
-
Stephen Whitty Presents - Hometown Movie Stars: The Celebrated Actors Of CHS
May 6, 2024 at 7:00pm
Sponsored Business
Promote your business here - Businesses get highlighted throughout the site and you can add a deal.
Maplewood Mandala
Beginning Monday, August 10 through Saturday, August 15, 2015, Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Tibet will be in residence in Maplewood, NJ to create a magnificent work of sand art in the Great Hall at The Woodland, located at 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood NJ.
Working up to eight hours per day, the monks lay millions of grains of colored sand into large geometric pattern called a mandala, one painstaking grain at a time. The public is invited free of charge to observe this mesmerizing feat of artistry and concentration which ranks among the most unique and exquisite traditions of Tantric Buddhism.
For more information contact: culturalaffairs@twp.maplewood.nj.us
Opening Ceremony/Drawing of the Lines
The monks begin by consecrating the site of the Mandala Sand Painting with approximately 30 minutes of chants, music, and mantra recitation.
After the Opening Ceremony the monks start drawing the line design for the mandala. This is tedious and exacting work that takes about three hours to complete.
Mandala Construction
Throughout the residency, the monks pour millions of grains of sand into place over a period of days, using traditional metal funnels called chak-pur.
Mandala Completion/Closing Ceremony
The monks conclude their creation of the Mandala with its consecration. In some cities, several thousand guests have attended the colorful Closing Ceremony.
Dismantling the Mandala
During the Closing Ceremony, the monks dismantle the mandala, sweeping up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. When requested, half of the sand is distributed to the audience as blessings for personal health and healing.
Dispersal of the Sand
The remaining sand is carried in a procession by the monks, accompanied by guests, to a flowing body of water. Here the sand is ceremonially poured into the water, thus dispersing the healing energies of the mandala throughout the world.
Video
BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART/AUSTIN TX 2013-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlfJNz48itk