Boulder’s creative population includes a strong and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture as well as other people “playing with coloring books” to create mandalas. While the Monks create with colored sand, I use the much simpler tools provided by colored pencils along with “coloring book” ready to color mandalas.

Comparing My Mandalas with Tibetan Sand Mandalas: A Journey of Creation

Mandalas have long been used in various cultures as a form of meditation, reflection, and creative expression. From the intricate sand mandalas created by Tibetan Buddhist monks to the coloring books that allow individuals to add their personal touch, the process of creating a mandala can be both personal and profound. In this blog, I’ll compare my own mandala creations, made with colored pencils, to the elaborate sand mandalas created by Tibetan monks. While the tools and end results differ, there are striking similarities in the meditative and creative processes.

Creation Process

When I begin a mandala from a coloring book, the outlines are already present, providing a structured framework. My main contribution comes from selecting the color palette, the “color way” which allows for personal expression within the given design. It’s an exercise in creativity, but within the confines of an existing structure.

In contrast, Tibetan sand mandalas are created from scratch. Monks begin with a detailed sketch, which they then painstakingly fill with colored sand. Each grain is placed with precision, using tools like metal funnels (chak-pur), and the process can take days or even weeks to complete. The entire creation is a highly focused and meditative activity.

Tools

My mandalas are completed using colored pencils, a common yet effective medium for adding color to pre-designed outlines. This allows me to explore different color combinations and shading techniques without worrying about the accuracy of intricate lines.

On the other hand, the Tibetan monks use colored sand and specialized tools to create their designs. The metal funnels, or chak-pur, allow them to carefully place sand grains, building their intricate patterns bit by bit. This adds a ritualistic aspect to the process, with the tools themselves contributing to the meditative nature of the task.

Intent and Spirituality

While my coloring process can be meditative and relaxing, it is primarily a form of artistic expression. I focus on both the creative and active process of creating the mandala as well as the personal satisfaction with the end result, enjoying the creative act itself and the calming effects of concentrating on colors and shapes.

For Tibetan monks, the creation of a sand mandala is part of a spiritual practice. The process of making the mandala is a meditation on impermanence, reminding them (and those who witness the creation) that nothing in life is permanent. In this context, the act of creation is often more important than the final product itself.

The Final Product

Once I finish a mandala, it remains intact, becoming a lasting piece of artwork that I can display or reflect upon. The permanence of my work allows me to revisit the colors and design choices I made, creating a sense of completion and satisfaction.

In contrast, once the Tibetan sand mandala is completed, it is ceremonially destroyed. This is a powerful reminder of impermanence, a key concept in Buddhism. The destruction is as important as the creation, reinforcing the idea that attachment to physical things is fleeting.

Symbolism of Colors

My selection of colors reflects my personal aesthetics and creative vision. Each mandala I color is an exploration of mood and inspiration, allowing me to experiment with different combinations based on personal preference or the design’s feel.

In Tibetan sand mandalas, the colors have deep symbolic meaning. They often represent elements of the universe, deities, or aspects of Buddhist philosophy. The colors are chosen with intention and care, reflecting a tradition that goes beyond mere aesthetic choices.

Impermanence vs. Permanence

There is a clear sense of permanence in my mandalas. Once they are colored, they remain as they are. I can look back at them, reflect on the choices I made, and see them as a lasting piece of my artistic journey.

The monks’ work, by contrast, is designed to be temporary. The ritual of destruction is as significant as the act of creation. It serves as a reminder that everything in life is impermanent, and that clinging to physical objects or achievements is ultimately futile.

I find that even with two sets of pencils and total color choices of 123 pencils I have a hard time finding just the right color for what I’m trying to achieve. I prefer soft, waxy pencil leads.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
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