Mandalas express the essence of a concept and represent a vision of the entire universe.  There are many types of mandalas used by Tibetan Buddhists.

Created by hand, two-dimensional sacred art sand mandalas represent significant architectural layout including iconography, placement, and color.  They are without a doubt the most creative, labor intensive, and concentration intensive of all mandalas.

At the opening ceremony, the mandala master initiates the mandala by being the first to pour the sand followed by a team of artists.  Depending upon the size and detail, a mandala may be one, five, or 21 days.

The sand is applied very precisely by the gently tapping of a sand-filled metal cone, chok pur, that has had its tip removed.  

​In a closing ceremony, the work of art is dismantled while chanting is performed.  The sand is swept into the center of the work space, small portions are offered to attendants, and the rest is placed in a river, lake, or ocean as an offering to purify the surrounding environment and hopefully flow into the seas to touch the shores around the world similarly to the traveling prayers of flags on the winds.