Tibetan Buddhism is the religion of Tibet. It was formed in the 8th century AD from a combination of Buddhism originaly from India and the indigenous Tibetan religion. The head of the religion in Tibet is the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Culture is one of the most ancient of our planet and it is highly endangered as a result of the chinese communist invasion of their homeland in the 1950's. Because of the destruction of their heritage and the genocidal chinese policies during the chinese colonization of Tibet, the Tibetans today live a fragile existence in the refugees camps of India. Our generation could be the last to see their artistic culture in its full richness, integrity and splendor.

Over the past Decade, Tibetan Art has become a part of the western cultural landscape. Periodically the Dalai Lama and groups of Tibetan monks travel around the U.S , conducting healing ceremonies, creating Sand Mandalas, and performing traditional music and dance to bring attention to the ongoing struggles of Tibetans people worldwide and for Tibetan independence.

Appreciating the Sand Mandala as a work of art, we are challenged to see beyond our own definition of art, with values on innovation and self-expression.

All photographs and video on this site copyright © ArtNetwork Productions. They may not be copied or published without written permission. For more info contact:ArtNetwork Productions contact@artnetwork.com Nyingma Institute Nyingma-Institute@Nyingma.org The Healing Buddha Foundation Buddhaheal@aol.com Drepung Loseling Monastery info@drepung.org