Centuries-Old Buddhist Tradition Returns to Downtown Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Tibetan and Thai Buddhist monks are creating a colorful sand mandala over the next four days at the Community Arts Workshop.

The public is invited to watch the artwork come together and even take part by placing grains of colored sand.

“My message is … no war … more peace in the world … I’m hoping ... for peace in the world," said Tibetan Buddhist Monk Kunchok Tenzin.

The mandala will be carried through downtown Sunday before being released into the ocean during the Walk for Peace, symbolizing the impermanence of life.