Tibetan monks create sand mandala at Vernon Hills school

Instead of the sounds of bouncing basketballs and squeaking gym shoes, the field house at Townline School in Vernon Hills resonated with deep voices of chanting Tibetan monks.

Wearing bright saffron-colored robes and crescent shaped yellow hats, the 10 men clanged cymbals and beat ceremonial drums before starting work on the creation of a sand mandala.

The group was invited by the school as part of the yearlong "Legacy Art Project." Townline assistant principal Betsy Sostak said the mandala, a type of sand painting, was the perfect choice for this year's focus. "There will be a lasting effect on the students after the monks leave and the mandala is swept away," She said. "We are trying to teach the students that their actions and choices in life will also leave an effect on others."

There were a few giggles from the kids as the monks began chanting in throaty, almost guttural tones, but that passed quickly as the ceremony moved on and a sense of mystery took over the 25-minute ritual.

The spectacle wasn't just for show. "The chanting and music expels negative energy," said Tenzin Phentsok. The spokesman for the Atlanta-based group "The Mystical Arts of Tibet," said the traditional practice creates peace and harmony for those close to it.

Using colored sand and semiprecious stones, the monks will spend eight hours a day for three days creating the geometric and intricately designed art piece. Phentsok said it takes almost seven years of training with a master to be able to become competent in this art form.

He said the creation of mandalas dates back more than 2,000 years. Mandalas are created for their healing and protective powers, Phentsok said. "Every grain radiates positive energy," he added.

The piece will be completed by Friday afternoon. There will be a closing ceremony after which the mandala will be swept off the table. The sand will be tossed into the nearby Seavey ditch with more chanting and drum beating.