Tibetan lamas in town to create a unique 'sand painting'

Sand painting is one of the most beautiful artistic traditions of Buddhism and there's an opportunity to see it in Tulsa this week. <br><br>A group of Tibetan lamas is constructing a mandala made

Wednesday, May 14th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Sand painting is one of the most beautiful artistic traditions of Buddhism and there's an opportunity to see it in Tulsa this week.

A group of Tibetan lamas is constructing a mandala made of millions of grains of colored sand, painstakingly laid into place over a period of days. When finished the mandala is destroyed, symbolizing the impermanence of all that exists. The sands are then swept up and poured into a nearby river or stream, where according to Buddhist belief, the waters carry the healing energies elsewhere.

The lamas are creating the mandala through Saturday at Unity Center of Tulsa, 1830 South Boston.