The Art of Meditation
A Tibetan Sand Painting Workshop with LobSAng Tsering
OCTOBER 13 - 15 2023
A Transformative Weekend of Art & Meditation
Step into a realm of artistic enchantment and spiritual exploration with our first ever Tibetan Sand Painting Workshop! This immersive experience invites you to discover the ancient art of creating intricate traditional sand paintings. More than just an artistic endeavor, this workshop is a doorway to mindfulness, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. Originating from the Tibetan tradition, sand paintings are composed of intricate geometric patterns that hold profound symbolic meanings. Crafted grain by grain, these artworks represent the impermanence of existence and the interplay of forces in the universe. This workshop provides a hands-on opportunity to not only create your own painting but also to delve into the wisdom behind this ancient practice.
Led by Dr. Lobsang Tsering, a former Tibetan Monk, experienced educator and meditation teacher, the workshop begins with an introduction to the history and philosophy of sand painting. You will learn about the Tibetan cultural significance, the intention behind their creation, and the meditative aspects that make these paintings a powerful tool for self-reflection and mindfulness.
In this workshop we will paint “Nine Stage Meditation Thangka” illustrating the progressive steps of shamatha or calm abiding meditation, with Tibetan traditional Sand Mandala’s tools and colored sand. As we create the image, we will learn about and meditate on each step of the path.
This process of focused sand Painting becomes a meditation in itself, allowing you to connect with your inner self and the world around you in a profound way.
Join us in this exploration of creativity and consciousness, where each grain of sand becomes a step on the path to self-discovery and enlightenment.
At the conclusion of this weekend, we will dismantle the sand painting we have created, which is in itself a profound symbol of the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.
This workshop is open to all, no prior art experience required!
PRICING & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Non-residential: $500, includes all meals ($450 early bird until September 21st)
Residential: $600 - $800, depending on accommodation choice, Includes overnight stay Friday and Saturday night at Pure Land Farms (10% off early bird until September 21st)
Option to book additional Sunday night stay
View detailed pricing, accommodation options and book your weekend here:
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY OCTOBER 13: WELCOME
3 - 6pm: Arrival & Check In for Residential Guests
6:00pm: Group dinner and orientation
7:30 - 9pm: Introduction to Tibetan Sand Painting
SATURDAY OCTOBER 14: INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION SAND PAINTING
8am: Breakfast
9 - 9:30 AM: Morning Session
Opening Prayers and Meditation
Introduction to the Nine Stages of Mindfulness Thangka, significance, and cultural context.
Overview of the workshop schedule and objectives.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Sand Painting Session # 1
Guided activity: Participants work on actual sand painting
Understanding the using tools, concept of sand painting as a spiritual and artistic symbol.
Participants color their own meditation Thangka
11:30 AM - 12 PM: Break
12 PM - 1 PM: Session #1 Conclusion
Meditation on the sand painting
Introduce symbols
Visualization meditation
Discussion
1 - 2:30 PM: Lunch and Rest
Participants enjoy a mindful lunch and have time to relax.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Sand Painting Session # 2
Participants color their own meditation Thangka
Participants work on actual sand painting
4:30 - 5:00 PM Break
5 - 5:30 PM: Session #2 Conclusion
Meditation and Discussion
Guided meditation to help participants connect with their creation work and sharing of experiences
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner
A relaxed dinner where participants can engage in informal discussions.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 15: Creating & Completing the Sand Painting
8am: Breakfast
9 - 9:30 AM: Morning SessionOpening Prayers and Meditation
Overview of the workshop schedule and objectives.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Sand Painting Session # 3
Guided activity: Participants work on actual sand painting
Participants color their own meditation Thangka
11:30 AM - 12 PM: Break
12PM - 1 PM: Session #3 Conclusion
Meditation on the sand painting
Introduce symbols
Visualization meditation
Discussion
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch and Rest
Participants enjoy a mindful lunch and have time to relax..
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Sand Painting Session #4
Participants continue working and focusing on completing the Sand Painting and coloring their own meditation Thangka.
Discussion on the meditative aspects of the creative process.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Dispersal and Closing Ceremony
Final visualization meditation on the completed Sand Painting
Dispersal Ceremony
All meals are vegetarian
Opportunity to receive Sowa Rigpa healing sessions before and after dinner each day
Dr. Lobsang Tsering
Lobsang is a former Tibetan Buddhist monk, and studied Arts, Rituals, and Buddhist philosophy at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery where he received a geshe degree. He organized cultural tours to many countries, collaborating with fellow monks to create and exhibit over 50 Sand Mandalas. He also conducted Sand Painting art workshops and delivered lectures on Buddhism, meditation, and the arts of compassion.
Lobsang holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and is a Sowa Rigpa/ Tibetan Medicine Practitioner and Buddhist Chaplain at Santa Clara County Jail.
Currently he teaches Art as Healing courses at San Francisco State University. Husband and Father of a teen daughter Dog Lover (Golden retriever)
