SALISBURY — For the eighth time, Tibetan monks from the famed Drepung Loseling Institute, with blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are in residence at Salisbury University on Monday-Friday, March 11-15.

During their visit, the monks construct an elaborate sand mandala, a meditational tool, which they believe brings purification and healing. Completed in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall, the painstaking ritual involves millions of grains of colored sand laid out in a complex pattern. The public is invited to view the entire process and observe part of its ceremonies, as well as attend associated lectures and dinners.

Events include:

• Mandala Construction – Thursday, March 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, March 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Following the drawing of the lines, the monks lay on the colored sands, which is affected by pouring the sand from traditional metal funnels called “chak-purs.” Each monk holds a chak-pur in one hand, while running a metal rod on its grated surface; the vibration causes the sands to flow like liquid. The finished mandala is approximately 5 feet by 5 feet.

• Completed construction viewing, Friday, March 15, noon

• Mandala consecration, closing ceremony and dispersal ceremony, Friday, March 15, 2 p.m.: The monks dismantle the mandala, sweeping up the colored sands to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. Half of the sand is distributed to the audience as blessings for personal health and healing. Immediately following the closing ceremony, the remaining sand is carried in a procession by the monks, accompanied by guests, to a flowing body of water at the Salisbury City Park, where it is ceremonially poured to disperse the healing energies.

Associated events:

Sponsored by the Office of Cultural Affairs, admission is free unless otherwise noted, and the public is invited. For more information call 410-548-3586.

Those planning to park on campus must register in advance for a free parking pass at www.salisbury.edu/visitor-parking.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.