On 24-27 March Lhodak Gaden monks will be constructing a Medicine Buddha sand mandala at the Exhibition House of Estonian National Museum. On 28 March, while the sand mandala is complete, they will also teach how to make Tibetan traditional butter sculptures. The ceremonial “sweeping up” of the sand mandala will take place on 29 March 2 p.m., some amount of the consecrated sand will be distributed among the people present, while the rest of the sand will be carried in procession through the city and poured with blessings to the River Emajõgi.

A mandala is an elaborate diagram which depicts the universe from a purified and enlightened point of view. On the throne in the central palace of the mandala is seated an awakened being, a Buddha - Medicine Buddha in this case. Medicine Buddha (Tib. sangs rgyas sman bla) is the manifestation of the healing powers of all enlightened beings. Being not only able to cure the “outer” maladies and ailments, he also helps to overcome the “inner” diseases like hate, desire, and ignorance, thus ultimately leading to complete awakening and liberation. A contact with Medicine Buddha, uttering his mantras and performing the respective practices bestows positive health effect, and increases the healing powers of the practitioner as well.

A sand mandala is constructed by sprinkling colorful natural powders with extreme precision. It takes several days to complete the whole. Dissipating the mandala afterwards symbolizes the impermanence of all mundane things.

Cool butter is a well suited material to be shaped into sculptures, in Tibet this has been developed into a special traditional form of art. Tibetan butter sculptures usually depict flowers, auspicious symbols or other Buddhist motifs, and are placed as an offering on altar in a monastery or private residence. (For illustration: a video about making butter sculptures by Gaden Shartse monks).