BUDDHIST monks have spent three days in Durham sharing their art and culture with children.
The monks, who are from the Tibetan monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, spent two and a half days creating a traditional Mandala out of grains of coloured sand.
After finishing the piece of art, it was swept away as a symbol of impermanence and followed by a destruction ceremony including a dramatic masked dance in the Cathedral’s Chapter House.
Over three days the group of eight monks worked with more than 100 children from local primary and secondary schools exploring the unique tradition of monastic art and culture.
A Cathedral spokeswoman said: “Durham Cathedral is a Christian place of worship but we welcome people of all faiths.”
Workshops included making sand the sand mandala, butter sculpture, flag printing and learning some Tibetan language.
Sand Mandalas are unique to Tibetan Buddhism and are believed to effect purification and healing. When complete they are swept away and the grains of sand are dispersed in flowing water.
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