Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery prepare to create a mandala, or sand painting, at the University Religious Center. The sand-painted mandala is used as a tool for reconsecrating the earth and its inhabitants. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A woman watches. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Tibetan monks prepare a sand painting at the University Religious Center. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Monks prepare the sand painting. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A monk meticulously works on the mandala, or sand painting. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A monk puts the finishing touches on an intricately made mandala. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A guest photographs the mandala before monks dismantle it during the dissolution ceremony. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Visitors appreciate the intricate work that went into the creation of the mandala. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Tibetan monks take part in the dissolution ceremony. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A monk takes part in the dissolution ceremony. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A monk uses a tool to eradicate the sand painting as visitors photograph the ceremony. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

A monk hands out sand from the mandala after the dissolution ceremony is completed. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery for the Mystical took part in the creation and dissolution of a traditional sand mandala at the University Religious Center Sept. 14-18. The sand painting — its creation and destruction — is a reminder of the impermanence of material life. The mandala was presented by the USC Pacific Asia Museum and the University Religious Center.

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