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While sand mandalas can take four to six days to create, the monks made a smaller version that depicted a lotus flower on top of a wheel.

Just like a lotus flower, which begins its cycle in muddy water and opens into a beautiful plant, a person practicing Buddhism goes through a slow transformation of the mind into a beautiful enlightened being.

“A typical day begins at 5 a.m. with morning prayers and a shared meal followed by more prayers,” he said. “The longest prayer can last up to 18 hours. Meals are very simple: usually flatbread, vegetables, buttered tea and a rice or noodle soup. After lunch the monks will rest and take time for solitude since the middle of the day is very hot. Studies begin at 4 p.m. and consist of memorizing five texts over the course of 25 years.”

The monks spend long hours debating their studies. After six hours of debate, the monks finish the evening by eating dinner together.

Venerable Geshe Kalsong Gyatso described the education process.

“Through Socratic debate the monks learn from each other and question the things they know in search of truth,” he said. “In Buddhism, everything depends on its many parts; everyone is necessary to each other’s education.” He said the learning process consists of five faculties, or stages: confidence, effort, meditation, strong mindfulness, concentration and discernment.

“There are many layers of meaning in the five wisdoms, which reflect the nature of reality,” Lobsang added. “We only see the projection of what we think is there.”

Lobsang believes that people are not content with what they have.

“Each monk has two sets of robes, a tea cup, a spoon and a soup bowl, and that’s all he needs,” said Lobsang. “Becoming selfless and losing the desire for material things allows one’s mind to be enlightened and at peace.”

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