Tools of the Tibetan Monks

Every year, we are honored to host The Mystical Arts of Tibet, a weekend of sand mandala creation conducted by the Drepung Loseling monks. These monks take a break from their full-time duties at the monastery to grace us with the artistic traditions of Tibetan culture.

One way they are able to create the sacred mandalas is by using a tool called the Chak-pur. After first creating an intricate design on a wooden surface, the monks fill their chakpurs with colored sand (in some cases, they use marble grains) and gently tap the tool with a metal rod or another chakpur.

The friction caused by the rod against the chakpur allows individual particles to be released from the tool in a slow, concise manner. The delicate nature allows the monks to conciously adapt to the flow of the sand. This process can take several days to complete!

While the colored sand is filled from the fan-shaped part of the chakpur, the same end is also used to straighten lines. Excess particles are pushed into place to keep the linework intact. 

You can watch firsthand how the monks use the chakpurs (and even try it out for yourself!) when The Mystical Arts of Tibet comes to The American Theatre on August 8-11! It's free to attend and open to the public!

• Opening Ceremony
  Thursday, Aug 8, 7pm
• Creation of Sand Mandala
  Friday-Saturday, Aug 9-10, 10am-6pm Daily
• Completion of Sand Mandala and Closing Ceremony 
  Sunday, Aug 11
  Mandala Continued Viewing, 12pm 
  Closing Ceremony, 3pm