Salmonberry School students, ages nine to 11, will create a live public installation of an original sand mandala in the meeting room of the library on Monday, Dec. 17 and Tuesday, Dec. 18.

The public is invited to observe the creation process from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Tuesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, after the three foot diameter circular piece is complete, the mandala will be ceremonially “smudged” and the sand will be taken to the sea.

A sand mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition involving the creation and destruction of mandalas, meaning “circle” in Sanskirt, and is typically made from colored sand. It is ritualistically destroyed to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life.

This project grows out of the students’ study of the cultures of Nepal and Tibet and the faith traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Students have looked at maps and geography, read about history and politics in the region, listened to music, eaten foods, attended theater performances and met with a number of guest speakers.

Students have been particularly interested in Buddhism and the many forms of meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

They were excited to try their hands at designing and creating a sand mandala.

The students’ first one was created over three days in the classroom and the students were inspired to offer a second, even more detailed piece and in a public venue.

During this day-and-a-half project, there will be guest speakers, including intrepid traveler Jean Spalti, who will show slides and talk about her recent travels in Tibet. Members of Seattle’s Tibetan community will also share stories and various aspects of their heritage.