Four Tibetan monks shared part of their culture with Cincinnatians this week as they constructed a sand mandala in the atrium of the Main Library, downtown

A mandala is a circular design with images that symbolize the wholeness of Buddhism.

Gangkar Rinpoche, in charge of the group, said the mandala is a sign of world peace.

Lobsang Jinpa, a Tibetan Monk from the Dzindu Monastery at the Mundgod Tibetan Settlement in South India, uses a chagpu, a metal funnel, to put sand on a sand mandala for world peace at a stop at the Main Library downtown. The Enquirer/TONY JONES

The monks started constructing the mandala Wednesday. Rinpoche said it will be dismantled during a ceremony of chanting and ritual music at 3 p.m. Saturday. The sand used to construct the mandala will be distributed to the audience. Remaining sand will be carried to the Ohio River for disposal.

"Creating the sand mandala creates positive energy," said Tenzin Dhargye, one of the monks. "The sand mandala is a symbol of inner growth of a spiritual love and compassion."

The Tibetan monks are from the Dzindu Monastery at Mundgod Tibetan Settlement, South India.

They are in the process of concluding a one-year tour of the United States and Canada.

As the Monks worked on the mandala this week, many people gathered to watch.

Dhargye said the monks will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the ancient Tibetan tradition.

"We will share our experience on cultivating love, compassion and peace by means of Buddhist rituals and meditations," Dhargye said.

Rinpoche will give a lecture on Tibetan Buddhism at 7:30 p.m. today at the Maitri Center, 4120 Hamilton Ave., Northside. For more information, call 708-1676.

Purdue graduate

Paul Glasser graduated with distinction from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., earning a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in communications. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.

Having been a staff writer and city desk editor of the Purdue Exponent student newspaper and an announcer for the campus radio station, Glasser plans to pursue a career in journalism. He is the son of Mary and Steve Glasser of Madeira.

Scholarship winner

Brittney Griffith, 2004 Withrow Traditional High School valedictorian, has earned a variety of scholarships for her post-secondary education.

She accepted a scholarship to attend the College of Mount St. Joseph and, in addition, received an Ohio Board of Regents Scholarship, an Advocates for Youth Scholarship, a Greater Cincinnati African-American Scholarship Foundation Award, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship and a Cincinnati Firefighter's Association Scholarship.

Brittney, the daughter of Jennifer Long of Westwood, plans to study medicine.

Dean's list

Stephanie Edmerson-Wise, of the West End, was named to the winter quarter dean's list at Central State University. She is majoring in education with a minor in journalism.

Achievement award

Sophomore biology major Allison Bleser received the Fred J. Karem Scholastic Achievement Award from Bellarmine University, Louisville. The award is given to NCAA athletes who achieve a grade-point average of 3.91 or greater. Bleser, the starting center fielder and captain of the Lady Knights softball team, maintains a 3.96 GPA. She plans to pursue a career in medicine.

She had attained a molecular biology internship and had been academic All-American and Academic All-Conference in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. She attends Bellarmine on four-year Msgr. Horrigan academic and softball scholarships, and was awarded the Presidential Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding freshman performance.

The St. Ursula Academy graduate is the daughter of Denise and Steven Bleser of Colerain Township.

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