On Saturday, Pedro and I met a group of Cherokees at Seal Rock State Recreation Site to make a mandala on the sand. I had very little idea of what this meant before we left. Pedro had even less of an idea because he had not heard the word “mandala” before. Once I described to him the traditional mandala, he knew what I was talking about, but we still weren’t sure what to expect.
A mandala is a geometric design or pattern, typically circular, that represents the cosmos or a representation of the universe, often used in Buddhist and Hindu traditions as a spiritual tool for meditation, healing, and establishing a sacred space. The term “mandala” originates from Sanskrit and means “circle.” We were a bunch of Indians from North America, honoring a loved one with an Indian (south Asia) tradition.
There is a woman that makes mandalas on the beach, and will help others do it for their own purposes. We lost a Cherokee elder last year and her daughter gathered us all together for a memorial to Donna. We brought rakes and filled in the mandala after the outline was created. Chalmers said she prepared the “coloring book” for us, and then left the space while the Cherokee group went in and filled in the designs.
The woman who does this, Karen Chalmers, brought her own dog, I think named Bo? The dog was obnoxious. It barked loudly at everyone, wanting to play. It dug holes everywhere, right in the middle of the design. For some reason, it followed me much of the time, barking and digging holes at my feet. That damned dog was driving me crazy. No one else seemed to care. Ah well. It was the beach, after all.
We were fortunate to have a spectacular weather day at the beach. A few of us had been watching the weather in the days leading up, trying to prepare ourselves for how to dress. Every day it had been socked in with fog and mist and chilly temperatures. But we were all surprised to have sunshine and warmth and not very much wind that day! It was perfect.
Pedro climbed the hill overlook spot, to take photos of us below.
We stood around the center and thought about Donna and how she loved the beach, and her family, and her Cherokee group. Then we began making our goodbyes.
It was certainly the most unique memorial service I have ever attended. There are a few people who do this on southern Oregon beaches. If you are ever out there, keep an eye out for them at low tide.
Conscious Engagement 
A most meaningful ceremony. There is something symbolic about the fact that the mandala will eventually be washed away. I liked how you and Pedro spoke with the woman who couldn’t get down there. Fine bird pictures, too. That damned dog should have been left at home.
I agree with your thoughts about the mandala being washed away. These are usually made out of coloured sand, right? I think the impermanence must be part of the idea. It’s also in keeping with the Cherokee Going to Water ceremony, in which we walk into moving water, and symbolically send our dark or sad feelings into the water so that they can wash away from us. Our Cherokee brought her mother’s urn, as you may have noticed, and when everyone else was gone, the family members went to a place to spread the ashes and say goodbye to her.
Thank you for the comment about the bird photos. I was tickled to get the one of the pelican diving for a fish – purely a serendipitous capture.
Thank you for expanding my thoughts on the impermanence XX
Great post! Now I want to make a mandala in the sand next time I’m at a beach (on a much smaller scale, of course). Thanks to Pedro for the awesome photos from up on the hill. Terrific shots! And your action shot of the pelican going for the fish is also terrific!
Oh thank you for liking my pelican shot! I like it so much. I’ll tell Pedro you appreciated the shots from above too.