Cultural Event 1: Venerable Lama

Venerable Lama: A Man of Wisdom

            Last Thursday I had enough energy and time to make a little trip into the BMU. Inside I recognized the man I was seeking out, a man of great spirituality, the Venerable Lama. On the bottom floor, stood a small roped off area where the Venerable Lama could work in seclusion, tending to his sand art representing the Cosmos. He slowly worked and spoke amongst the viewers who were crowding around snapping pictures, and asking questions about this unique art form. He was more than happy to answer questions and share information about his beliefs and observations. The Venerable Lama was even generous enough to accept candy and discuss the meaning of Valentines Day with two attractive young ladies who were observing his work. I personally am more of an observer, so I listened to the questions, answers, and discussions that were taking place around me regarding the Venerable Lama. He spoke of a holiday that took place over the weekend (Saturday), which had to do with the work of art he was creating. He said it involved the cosmos, time, and how it is relevant to us as people. As he spoke to the viewers, the Venerable Lama would then take a break, focus his attention on the art and drop little pieces of sand in strategic positions of the table.

          Personally I found this art form to be very interesting, the Venerable Lama used a book which contained all the different sand designs previously created for certain events. He then used these photos to recreate a very short-lived piece of art that he would ceremonially destroy to represent how all things exist for only a small space of time. I admire the patience and skill it takes to create such art, and the ability that he has to then destroy all the progress he has made in the end to make a statement.

 I visited the venerable lama again when his project was nearing completion. I would like to add those photos to this post, updating it along with giving everyone images of the completed sand art.