Monks return to the foothills

A new year is a natural time to consider new beginnings, to envision new personal strength and to create space for calm and peace in our lives. On January 1, the Tibetan monks of Gaden Sharste Monastery in India began their residency in Placerville—a 14-year-old tradition locally of an ancient Buddhist practice. The two-week visit is centered around the monks’ construction of a sand mandala, an intricate sculpture of colored sand which they build over the course of 100 hours using traditional tools. Anyone can watch this meditative and symbolic practice during the center’s open hours. The monks will also host talks, ceremonies and workshops during their Placerville stay. As is custom, they will dissolve the mandala on the final day of their stay to represent life’s impermanence. 851 Pleasant Valley Road in Diamond Springs, www.pvilletibet.wordpress.com.