It seems to be a common sight in my city to witness the construction of a sand mandala!

This time, I captured some footage of day four of the creation of a Chenrezig sand mandala by some monks from Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in south India. This monastery houses Tibetan monks in exile.

Again, the purpose of being involved in the sand mandala is meditative. The Chenrezig mandala depicts Lord Chenrezig, the Bodhisatva of Compassion. At the center of the mandala is a lotus on a throne. In the eastern segment, this is the entrance point of the celestial temple, and is symbolized by Buddha Akshobhya. In the south, a yellow jewel symbolizes Buddha Ratnasambhava. In the north is a green sword representing the symbol of Buddha Amoghasiddhi. In the west, there is a white dharma wheel. Jointly, they make up the symbols of the Five Buddha Families, and each is placed upon a lotus and moon throne. They are surrounded by a protective mala or rosary of Dorjes, emanating from the heart of Lord Chenrezig.

After the sand mandala is completed, it will be tipped into a water source, so that the grains of sand flow away and recommence their life elsewhere on earth. This represents the transient nature of all things on earth and the cycle of re-incarnation. (less info)