The dissolving sand mandala – Buddhism's lesson on life's impermanence

Impermanence teaches us to hold lightly to life, finding freedom in the acceptance of change

Hey there,

I hope your week was light.

Today, I want to talk about a beautiful and profound Buddhist tradition – the creation and dissolution of sand mandalas. And what it can teach us about happiness.

A sand mandala is a sacred geometric design made from colorful grains of sand. It is created by highly skilled monks who carefully place each grain with precision and intention. The process can take days or even weeks, as every minute detail is important in creating the perfect mandala.

Once completed, the sand mandala is not meant to be permanent. Instead, it serves as a visual representation of impermanence – the Buddhist belief that everything in life is constantly changing and nothing is permanent.

And here's the interesting thing:

After spending so much time and effort in creating this intricate work of art, the monks then ceremoniously destroy it. Sweeping away all the sand and scattering it into a body of water. This act symbolizes the impermanence of life and reminds us that everything eventually fades away.

But why would anyone put so much effort into something only to destroy it?

Because the lesson of impermanence is an important one. In our fast-paced, modern world, we often cling onto things – relationships, possessions, achievements – believing they will bring us lasting happiness.

We resist change and fear losing what we hold dear.

The sand mandala teaches us to let go and embrace the constant flow of life. It shows us that true freedom comes from accepting impermanence and detaching ourselves from the desire for permanence.

It is a reminder to live in the present moment. To appreciate what we have while we have it. And to let go when the time comes.

We may not have control over external changes. But we do have control over our perspective and attitude towards them. Embracing impermanence can bring a sense of peace and contentment in an ever-changing world.

What if, instead of feeling down about things ending, we celebrated them?

Imagine wrapping up every chapter of our lives with a personal ritual that celebrates the temporary nature of our human experience.

Just like the gentle fading of a sand mandala, these rituals wouldn't be grand or elaborate. But simply a moment to pause and acknowledge the beauty and fleeting nature of different life stages and experiences.

It could be as simple as lighting a candle when finishing a beloved task.

Taking a moment of silence for a phase of life that has passed.

Or writing a gratitude note for a relationship that has evolved.

This practice can help us develop a mindset of gratitude and acceptance. Reminding us that every ending holds the promise of a new beginning. Approaching life this way can build resilience and joy. Even when we face changes and losses along the way.

So next time something in your life comes to an end, remember the sand mandala.

Let it remind you to hold life lightly, enjoy the present moment, and welcome change with an open heart.

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Weekly Reflection

What is one small thing in my life that I can let go of this week?

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🍵 Thank you for reading!

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you! I hope they bring you a moment of reflection and a touch of peace.

Until next time, stay light.

– Zhenya

P.S. If you're new here, it's nice to meet you! I invite you to check out the past editions. 😊