Matthew Weiner, Interfaith Center (NY), on the Destroyed Mandala
May 25th, 2007 by Menachem Wecker
I asked Matthew Weiner, director of programming at the Interfaith Center of New York, about the destroyed mandala (see previous post). Here is what he said:
Iconia: Many of the media reports are mentioning that the mandala was meant to be destroyed anyway and that the monks have forgiven the toddler. Do you worry that however true these points are that this will cheapen the act to some people who might commit similar acts?
MW: No- the Buddhist monks are being true to their tradition, and not endorsing the activity.
Iconia: What exactly is the role of the mandala? Why is it made of sand? How symbolic are the colors and the various shapes and symbols?
MW: Basically it’s about impermanence and interconnectedness, key points to Buddhism. So the kid provides a Buddhist lesson.
Iconia: Why was it placed in an airport? Should there have been more measures to protect it?
MW: That’s for the monks to answer.
Iconia: Some bloggers are calling for donations to the monks for their forgiving responses. Where would you recommend interested parties send their donations?
MW: Tibet Fund, based in NYC.
Iconia: To what extent is the mandala an example of religious art as opposed to simply geometric form? Beyond mandalas, most people in the United States probably don’t know much about Buddhist art. What are some of the most important things going on in contemporary Buddhist art? Who are your favorite contemporary Buddhist artists?
MW: Rubin Museum of Art.