Tibetan Monks Create Sacred Mandala as a Gift to the Muhammad Ali Center

Louisville, KY (August 30, 2005) - Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery created a beautiful sacred piece of art to be presented to the Muhammad Ali Center during their visit to Louisville August 22-30, 2005.

The Mandala – a Sanskrit word meaning cosmogram or “world in harmony” – constructed out of colored sand and usually destroyed after creation, will go through a unique preservation process as a gift of friendship from Nobel Peace Prize Winner the Dalai Lama to United Nations Messenger of Peace Muhammad Ali in celebration of the Ali Center’s grand opening in November.  In addition to the special friendship the Dalai Lama shares with Ali, His Holiness is also The Most Distinguished Lifetime Councilor of the center’s National Advisory Council.

The ritualistic process in which the sacred art is created includes prayers of peace and compassion – part of the symbolism of the artwork.  Surrounded by exquisite paintings, the monks meticulously place the tiniest grains of sand in an intricate array of colors and patterns using instruments that generate a signature metallic hum as they work.

The monks visit to Louisville and the creation of the Mandala marks the beginning of a series of special events leading up to the grand opening of the Ali Center in November.  An evening of gala celebrations on Saturday, November 19 will kick off the weekend festivities including a preview reception, dinner, entertainment, and after show reception.  A public dedication will take place on November 20 with the doors officially opening for visitors on November 21.

To learn more about the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery, visit www.gomang.org.