Tibetan Buddhist Monks Bring Sacred Sand Mandala and Peace Events to Richmond

Tibetan Buddhist monks are currently in Richmond, Virginia, where they are constructing a sacred sand mandala intended for purification and healing.

The monks began building the colorful sand painting on March 31, 2026, inside the First Universalist Unitarian Church. The church is located on Blanton Avenue near Byrd Park.

A live stream of the monks as they fashion the mandala has been made available to the public via YouTube.

Public Events and Ceremonies

The visit includes several public events designed for community participation. On April 3, 2026, at 6 p.m., the monks hosted a blessing of the pets outside the church.

A closing ceremony is scheduled for April 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. During this ceremony, the completed sand mandala will be destroyed. This act serves as a traditional metaphor for the impermanence of life.

Following the closing ceremony on April 4, 2026, the monks will lead a one-mile peace walk through Byrd Park.

The series of events will conclude on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Weather permitting, the monks will host a public meditation session at 10 a.m. In the Italian Garden at Maymont.

Additional details regarding the visit and the events are available on the group’s Facebook page.