In October of 2022 as part of a Buddhist Contemplative Studies Program with Dr. Miles Neale, I attended a Pilgrimage to Nepal and India with our Vajryana teacher, Geshe-la Tenzin Zopa. The intention was to travel between the 4 parts of the life of the Buddha at the places of his birth, death, enlightenment, and teaching. In doing so we opened to our own inner journey of departure, initiation, and heroic return home. Before the journey, a triad of us was invited to help forge a traveling mandala meant to accompany us as a reflective touch stone and tool for integrating others we encountered on the path. We met to imagine how to both design a meaningful experience, and well as to curate and carry it throughout the pilgrimage. This is what emerged…..
First, I designed an 8x7 ft foldable map using 200 lb. watercolor paper. Using acrylic paint, this canvas was then organized by inner, middle, and outer rings denoting the wisdom of the inner tantric-spiritual realm, the outer sites of the physical realm, and the alchemic process; the realm of change & growth as symbolized by the snake. We invited pilgrims to identify aspects in themselves wanting to be processed and shed to make space for new life. They emailed me symbols which were printed and collaged onto to the canvas. I then sewed a pouch from a silk sari to protect this sacred tool for global travel and community ritual.
Once we all arrived in Nepal, Pilgrims initiated themselves into a place on the mandala map, and as we ventured, other pilgrims on the path registered their names. Arriving at our final destination, we ceremonially offered our shadowy snake skin parts to the fire, and later dissolved the entire mandala map; each pilgrim receiving a token piece to carry back on their return home.
The Ceremonial cutting at the Root Institute; shedding of our old snake skins by Geshe-la Tenzin Zopa with chanting of the Medicine Buddha.
