Green Tara's meticulous progression

July 30, 2015 by Jennie Lay

A special early edition blog for the day...

Green Tara, at the end of Day One.
Green Tara, at the end of Day One.

First, here's a brief eagle-eye overview of the Day One Mandala on the Yampa action in a time lapse video.

And here is the close-up time lapse.

This morning, the monks are working on the eight auspicious symbols surrounding the Green Tara. They are intricate and quite beautiful. Photos and explanations to come when they're complete. But in the mean time, we thought you might like to see the progression of how the Green Tara grew into her gorgeous sand incarnation yesterday. It's a multi-layered process, and clearly an exercise in utmost meditation and patience.

The lines -- finished and ready for the first grains of sand.
The lines -- finished and ready for the first grains of sand.
The outline of Green Tara is hand drawn into the first layer of green sand with a needle-like instrument.
The outline of Green Tara is hand drawn into the first layer of green sand with a needle-like instrument.
Green Tara's outline is nearly ready for the layers of sand that will maker her 3-D.
Green Tara's outline is nearly ready for the layers of sand that will maker her 3-D.
The monks layered sand and detail upon Green Tara all day.
The monks layered sand and detail upon Green Tara all day.
Green Tara emerged after many delicate hours of painting.
Green Tara emerged after many delicate hours of painting.
Green Tara, at the end of Day One.
Green Tara, at the end of Day One.