Sand Mandala FAQ
Q: What is a sand mandala?
A: A traditional Tibetan art form for blessing the earth. Monks create an intricate pattern out of colored sand over 5 days. At the end, the mandala will be destroyed to signify impermanence of all things (sort of like writing code).
Q: When will the closing ceremony be?
A: The closing ceremony is planned for 2pm Friday. That gives everybody enough time to head to TGIF and get drunk after enlightenment.
Q: Can I take pictures?
A: Yes, you can take pictures of the mandala, monks, and anything else, including the occasional ninja that likes to stealthy appear at mandala-making events. You may take videos too.
Q: Can I ask for pictures with the monks?
A: Sure, I don’t think they mind. Good karma goes well with good camera.
Q: What if I have questions for the monks?
A: The monks’ driver is a Tibetan guy called Tenzin who speaks English. You can ask him anything. He is easy to narrow down because only about half of all Tibetans in the world are named “Tenzin” (including the Dalai Lama and one of his brothers).
Q: Can I bring my friends?
A: Definitely. Even if your friend is a mandala-loving ninja.
Q: How do you plan to protect the mandala during construction and breaks?
A: Our original plan was to hire a bunch of kung-fu monks from Shaolin, but that didn’t work out. So we plan to put stanchions around the mandala, and ask people to control their destructive urges until after TGIF. We are aware that stanchions are not as cool as kung-fu monks from Shaolin, but they are somewhat cheaper.
Q: Can I make a donation?
A: Yes, just give money to the monk at the table and take whatever souvenior you like.
(No Tibetan lamas will be harmed in the making of this mandala)
