Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
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Buddhist center Urban Dharma shares that the sand mandala created for its grand opening should be completed today. The center is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 29 Page Avenue.
From the Urban Dharma website:
To celebrate the “Grand Opening,” UD is hosting the creation of a sand-mandala and other related activities from July 15-22. Events are free and open to everyone.
This grand opening week will provide a rare opportunity to experience the complete and traditional range and context of a sand-mandala. After the mandala has been completed, it will be placed in an elaborate shrine, followed by a 24-hour mantra-meditation and vigil practice (7/20-21, 8 p.m. – 8 p.m.), as well as a full vajrayana empowerment of the Buddha known as “Vast and Noble Heart” (7/22, 10 a.m.) initiating practitioners into this ancient meditation practice.
Ven. Khenpo Choephel Rinpoche, resident-lama of Three Rivers Dharma Center, Pittsburgh, PA, and Ven. Lama Konchok Sonam, head-lama of Drikung Meditation Center, Boston, MA, both of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism will construct the mandala and preside over events. Dr. Hun Lye, President and Founder of Urban Dharma, will also be on hand to contextualize the week’s proceedings and provide teachings.
Other events scheduled include a talk and workshop on the practice of mantra-meditation by Dr. Hun Lye (“Call of Compassion,” 7/17, 8 p.m.); a Q&A session with the lamas constructing the mandala (“Understanding Sand Mandalas,” 7/19, 8 p.m.); and the final dissolution of the sand-mandala and “Walk of Compassion” procession to the French Broad River (7/22, 2:30 p.m.). Follow the progress of the mandala construction at Urban Dharma during the week from 7/16 to 7/20 (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.).
