Sand Mandala Dissolution Ceremony
From Tuesday, September 30, to Saturday, October 4, the monks of Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery will assemble a sand mandala depicting Avalokiteśvara, the Buddha of Compassion, in Groot Gallery. At the conclusion of the sand mandala’s creation, all are invited to a dissolution ceremony and procession to the Cannon River. Guests are invited to gather in Groot Gallery at 2 p.m. then join the monks of Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery for a walk to Northfield’s downtown area to disperse the sand in the Cannon River. This event is presented in conjunction with the Flaten Art Museum’s fall exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art, on view September 12 – December 7, 2025.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: The walking route from St. Olaf College to downtown Northfield is designed to be accessible and inclusive. The distance is approximately one mile and the path utilizes city sidewalks, crosswalks, designated pedestrian routes, and intersections with curb ramps to ensure safe and accessible travel. The event concludes downtown. Please note that return transportation is not provided.
