Diversity Event!:)

I went to the Mystical Arts of Tibet lecture tonight and found out some pretty neat information about the mandalas the Tibetan monks create.  In fact, some of these monks are creating their own mandala in the Memorial Union this week and it will be on display tomorrow! I found out that creating a mandala is a religious practice for these monks and it is a form of meditation for them.  Although the monks of Tibet only craft mandalas to reach their enlightenment, this form of art improves mental health and reduces stress and anxiety.  One of the most interesting aspects of the mandala is that every piece symbolizes one of their beliefs.  For example, the foundation and center of the mandala, known as the crossed vajra, is a symbol for the four elements of life: fire, water, earth, and wind.  The five colors used in the artwork (white, green, yellow, red, and blue) symbolize the five activities to reach enlightenment, which is the stage in their life where all negative elements are eliminated.  Another example is the four points of the square in the mandala art.  The four points represent joyfulness, compassion, equality, and love.  Learning about the symbolism of the mandala was interesting, but I enjoyed listening to the chants of the monks more!