Vancouver, WA. — Clark College will welcome the community to a week of cultural events celebrating International Education from Feb. 23–27 on its main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.
The highlight of the week is the creation of a traditional Tibetan sand mandala inside Cannell Library. The free event is presented by Clark College International Programs, Clark Libraries, and the Dharma Light Tibetan Buddhist Association of Vancouver.
Tibetan Buddhist monks from South India will construct the intricate mandala from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday. Visitors are invited to observe the detailed process throughout the week.
An opening ceremony featuring traditional Tibetan chanting and music will begin at 9 a.m. Monday. A closing ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday. Following the ceremony, the monks will ceremonially disperse the sand from 3–4 p.m. at Vancouver Waterfront Park, symbolizing impermanence and extending blessings to the wider region.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2–3 p.m. in Cannell Library Room 101, Venerable Lobsang Dawa will present a Sacred Tibetan Art lecture discussing the history, symbolism and spiritual significance of sand mandalas, as well as the role of compassion in daily life.
In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the creation and dismantling of a sand mandala represents the transient nature of life while promoting compassion, healing and peace.
This marks the fifth time Clark College has hosted a mandala construction, with previous visits in 2012, 2015, 2020 and 2023. Driving directions and parking maps are available at clark.edu/maps. All events are free and open to the public.
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