Lessons in the Sand

I cried twice yesterday.

One time was during the evening youth plenary. The young leaders were strong and courageous and creative. I was so inspired (and excited to work with our amazing leaders back home). During the program, several young people performed a song about love... about the intense connection we share with our loved ones... and about how those who die are still with us in our hearts. It was sweet and simple and soulful. It brought me to tears of gratitude for the loved ones with whom I share my daily life, my loved ones across the miles and years, and my loved ones who have gone before me. It was an incredibly spiritual experience of connection and affection.

The other time was in the middle of the day, at the sight of a Tibbetan sand mandala.

I have seen mandalas before, and I was looking forward to seeing one during the Parliament. But like so many beautiful experiences, I simply couldn't have anticipated my reaction to this one.

I approached the area where all the Tibbetan monks were gathered. I walked up to the table where a quiet and gentle monk was working diligently with the colorful sand. The moment I saw the mandala I started to cry. I was so overcome by emotion ~ for the sheer and utter beauty of the design... the colors... the richness of texture.... the intricacies.... the stunning display of creativity and patience. Simultaneously, I was overcome by the realization of its short lived existence... of its imminent and inevitable demise. I was over whelmed by the non-attachment it symbolizes, by the fleeting nature of reality, by the selflessness of the monk-creators.

I can't begin to put into words the endless lessons for life that swirled around my head. It is all about love and beauty and art and creativity. And it's all about letting go and letting go and letting go some more.

I'm grateful to have captured this moment on camera (in my favorite picture of the trip thus far). It shows the mandala table - with a monk hard at work, surrounded by a group of young Jain boys around him, watching silently and reverently. This one little moment in time captures the spirit, diversity and heart of the Parliament.