Tibetan Sand Mandala Event

The sand mandala returns to Clark College

October 2-6, 2023

All events are free and open to the public; they are co-sponsored by Clark College International Programs, Clark College Libraries, and Dharma Light Tibetan Buddhist Association of Vancouver. Cannell Library is located on Clark College’s main campus at 1933 Ft. Vancouver Way in Vancouver, Washington. 

This project can be appreciated simply as a beautiful and intricate time-based art form. But according to Tibetan Buddhist belief, a sand mandala is meant to create a profound experience of compassion for any who attend. The positive effects of a sand mandala construction are believed to radiate out over the entire region, blessing the environment and the beings therein, in an effort for world peace. The mandala is destroyed in the closing ceremony, as a lesson in the impermanence of all phenomena. The opening and closing ceremonies will include traditional Tibetan Buddhist chanting and music. The closing ceremony will also include a procession to the Columbia River, where a small portion of the colored sand will be poured into the water as a form of blessing.

Monday, Oct. 2:

12 (noon) –12:30 p.m.:  Opening Ceremony

12:30 – 6:00 p.m.:  Sand Mandala Construction

Tuesday, Oct. 3:

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:   Sand Mandala Construction

12 (noon) –1:00 p.m. :  Sacred Tibetan Art Presentation in Cannell Room (LIB 101)

Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 4 & 5:        

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:   Sand Mandala Construction

Friday, Oct. 6:   

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.:  Sand Mandala Construction

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.:  Closing Ceremony

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.:  Sand Disbursal @ Columbia River (Meet at cable stay pier at Vancouver Waterfront. Transportation and parking not provided.)

Event poster [PDF] available for sharing. 

View photos from 2020 and 2012.

Maps and directions are available at www.clark.edu/maps. 

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds. If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 Email: hr@clark.edu