As part of the 7th Tibetan Culture and Art Festival Taiwan, the Ministry of Culture organized the "Perceiving a Universe in a Grain of Sand ~ Sand Mandala Art Exhibition (一沙一世界〜沙壇城藝術展演)" at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which will run from Dec. 28 to 30.
The exhibition displays the solemn sand mandala constructed by Tibetan monks in Taiwan based on Tibetan Buddhist tradition, demonstrating the characteristics of Tibetan Buddhism, which is respecting heritage and nature.
The opening ceremony held on Dec. 28 showcased a live performance of Tibetan music, allowing audiences to enjoy the beauty of Tibetan culture. Addressing the press conference, Deputy Minister of Culture Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌) quoted a phrase by the 18th-century poet William Blake: "To see a World in a Grain of Sand. And a Heaven in a Wild Flower. Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand. And Eternity in an hour."
He pointed out that, in the past, the creation of sand mandala was part of the religious ceremony among monks and congregation. However, in recent years, it has gradually developed into a form of performance.
The "live sand mandala painting" will be open to the public, during which experts will provide explanations, and other shows will be arranged such as Flowers in Full Bloom, Tibetan Musical Rhyme Duet, Mogao Dance, Brahma's Voice Turns Mind, and Black Hat Cham. The whole process of live sand mandala painting will be live streaming to a wider audience to understand and to enjoy the unique Tibetan cultural tradition.
For more information, please visit MOC's website or the Tibetan Culture and Art Festival Taiwan’s Facebook page.