Mandala Sand Painting Exhibition

November 5-7, 2008

Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery will construct a Mandala SandPainting November 5 to November 7 in the University Center Window Lounge from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily.

From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite. Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks to form the image of a mandala. To date the monks have created mandala sand paintings in more than 100 museums, art centers, and colleges and universities in the United States and Europe.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning sacred cosmogram. These cosmograms can be created in various media, such as watercolor on canvas, wood carvings, and so forth. However, the most spectacular and enduringly popular are those made from colored sand.

In general all mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in its divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and healing on these three levels.

The mandala sand painting begins with an opening ceremony, during which the lamas consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness. This is done by means of chanting, music and mantra recitation, and will be held on November 5 at 11:00am.

The lamas begin the exhibit by drawing an outline of the mandala on the wooden platform. On the following days they lay the colored sands. Each monk holds a traditional metal funnel called a chakpur while running a metal rod on its grated surface. The vibration causes the sands to flow like liquid onto the platform.

Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion. This is done as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are swept up and placed in an urn; to fulfill the function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water, where it is deposited. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, and from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing. The closing ceremony will be held on November 7 at 12noon.

 

November Events

OXFAM Hunger Banquet   The OXFAM Hunger Banquet is an experiential learning event where participants have the opportunity to learn about global hunger issues while eating a meal based on the global income level that they draw on their way in the door. The event is a November tradition at UTSA and has also grown to incorporate a can drive benefitting the San Antonio Food Bank. We have spaces for 150 participants so be sure to RSVP as soon as possible. Please contact Jennifer Lilly at 458-4770 or come by the VOICES/Volunteer Services Office in UC 1.216 for more information.   November 12, 2008 6:00-8:00p m UC Ballroom 2 RSVP to Jennifer.Lilly@utsa.edu beginning November 3rd.

 

Charles Miles is a co-founder of the “GLBTQ” student organization here at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has been instrumental in creating this new organization and helping it become registered on campus. Galvanizing and organizing the campus community has taken dedication and foresight. When asked why he took the initiative to help found this organization, he said that there was a real “need for it.” He also felt that it was a good way to be social and meet new people. His efforts have already paid off; the new group has a steady group of core members and has already participated in various events like “National Coming Out Day,” and “Gayla (a social/mixer in honor of GLBTQ Pride Month).”

Charles was born and raised in Houston, TX, is a recent graduate of Lamar High School, and is a freshman at UTSA. Charles is the youngest of four children and has attributed his personality and strengths to family influence. In high school, Charles participated in Track and Field, and choir, and was the recipient of the “Most Out Going” award.

His major is in Education and he plans to teach secondary History after he graduates from UTSA. He is very passionate about education and teaching people about society, politics, and History.The GLBTQ student group meets every Wednesday in the Career Services office U.C. II 2.02.04 at 7 p.m. The group is open to everyone and focuses on social and advocacy support for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning community on and off campus.

 

 

Resource Library

 

 

 

Come check out our   growing resource library. Whether you are doing research or just looking for a great book on leadership, volunteerism, or a culture other than your own; come and check out your choice of books.

Organization Spotlight: V.O.I.C.E.S.

Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service (VOICES) is a sponsored organization that is in its 16^th year on campus. Each week during the fall & spring semesters, VOICES participates in multiple service projects in the San Antonio area. Recently they volunteered at the Children’s Museum, Any Baby Can, ALS Walk, Ronald McDonald House, and many more. They also organize and sponsor many events at UTSA including the Babcock Rd. Clean-Up, the OXFAM Hunger Banquet, and Alternative Spring Break. Anyone can volunteer with VOICES but members who achieve 25 hours of service will be invited to the induction banquets held at the end of each semester. For more information, please come by our office in UC 1.216, visit a meeting Wednesdays at 5:00pm in the UC Mesquite Room, or visit us online at www.voicesutsa.org.

 

UTSA Social Justice Leadership Summit 2008:

The UTSA Social Justice and Leadership Summit 2008 will take place Saturday, November 22, 2008 beginning at 9 a.m. in the University Center. The Social Justice Leadership Summit 2008 will support student leaders and organizations interested in actively creating social change by strengthening individual and organizational leadership skills, creating a forum to develop active strategies for growth and development, providing tools needed to build effective campus and community alliances, and addressing topics pertinent to the needs of UTSA and the San Antonio community.

The event is free to UTSA participants. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The Social Justice Leadership Conference is sponsored by the UTSA Inclusion and Community Engagement Center and Young People 4.

For more information contact Matthew Morris at matthew.morris@utsa.edu. Registration begins November 1, 2008  http://sjl2008.eventbrite.com/.