A Green Tara Sand Mandala Is Being Created in Yashkul

The visit of a delegation of monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery to Kalmykia continues. They are now on their third day of work in the settlement of Yashkul, where they are creating a Green Tara sand mandala.

The delicate and painstaking work proceeds in strict accordance with Buddhist canons. Every line and every shade of colour carries deep meaning.

Green Tara is revered in the Buddhist tradition as a bodhisattva of compassion who can come instantly to the aid of those who call upon her. Prayers are offered to her for the removal of obstacles, protection from fears and healing.

Today, on the third day of their stay in Yashkul District, alongside creating the mandala, the monks performed the Kangso ritual — an invocation of the Protectors of the Teaching. Its purpose is to purify negative karma and bring well-being. A lecture on the purification practice of Vajrasattva was also held.

The mandala is scheduled for completion on 12 ноября. The culmination will be the ritual dismantling of the mandala: the sand will be distributed to devotees as a blessing. This ritual is an important lesson in the impermanence of all things.