Mandala {UNCA}

Some times in this teaching job, we just get lucky.  In example, we covered the basic tenants and history of Buddhism over the last few weeks - spending time on the differences between Theraveda and Mahayana. We watched videos and discussed the role of Tibetan Buddhism, and some of its more unique traditions, including the creation of sand mandalas. 

So it was with great excitement when I found out that a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks were to be at UNCA (our local university), making a sand mandala.  With short notice, we were unable to make it a class field trip - but I floated the promise of big time extra credit for any student who traveled to UNCA, and took a selfie with this mandala.  

Most of the students in my AP World History took me up on the offer, and seemed to get a lot out of it (or maybe they just told me that...).  Many of the parents (and siblings) of my students were roped into this as well, which was a nice unintended effect, as most spoke positively about the unique experience.  

I took my family there, and my kids were pretty amazed, and though I have seen this tradition in action before - I still found it awe inspiring.  We are lucky to have the opportunity to see these monks at work on a mandala, a tradition that is much bigger than we are.