planetfrog's video: The Life and Death of a Sand Mandala

Filmed April 10th 2007, at a Buddhist shrine in Chichester, this video tells the story of a sand painting born only the day before and brought to its end in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, honouring the Buddhas teaching of 'impermanence' : that all things arise and fade away. In the video you will see many members of the local and visiting Tibetan Buddhist commuity contributing to the growth of the mandala, including the special guest Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche. Many thank you to David Mackenzie-Dewhirst for his kind help and guidance in making the mandala, and should anyone like to enquire further about sand mandalas or other therapeutic artforms he practices, he can be contacted at: www.artmatters.nhs.uk Mandalas: The word Mandala is sanskrit and litterally means 'Circle' & 'Center', it suggests the notion that any centre is tied to it's circumferance, and that any circumferance is always determined by it's center, together they represent a wholeness. Mandala’s to Promote Health & Healing: There has been medical research to show that the bodies immune system and innate healing ability are enhanced when we are relaxed, creativity appears to trigger the bodies relaxation response, promoting one’s own health and healing and increasing stress reduction. Finally: In the dismantling of the mandala one should remain in the same relaxed and meditative state of mind, as in its creation. Mandala’s can help us to understand that all things are impermanent and exist only in relation to, and in independence on other things. Buddhism: The Kagyu tradition is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is reknowned for its emphasis on meditation as embodied by such great masters as Marpa, Milarepa and Gampopa, whose example inspired people throughout Tibet. Kagyu Samye Dzong London is a branch of Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland, a Buddhist Centre which was established in 1967 and now has branches worldwide. More information here: http://london.samye.org/london/ planetfrog productions