Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are swept up and placed in an urn; to fulfill the function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water, where it is deposited. The waters then carry the healing blessing as it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing. The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 4th at 2 p.m. Please bring a small container if you would like to keep some of the sand.