Mandala LabWhere Emotions Can Turn to Wisdom

The Mandala Lab includes artist contributions from:

• Laurie Anderson
• Sanford Biggers
• Tenzin Tsetan Choklay
• Billy Cobham
• Amit Dutta
• Sheila E.
• Peter Gabriel
• Dame Evelyn Glennie
• Sarah Hennies
• Huang Ruo
• Shivamani
• Wang Yahui
• Palden Weinreb
• Apichatpong Weerasethakul
• Bora Yoon
• Scents created by Christophe Laudamiel
• Select gongs manufactured by Ryan Shelledy or Matt Nolan, UK

About Mandalas and Emotions

Mandalas are Buddhist teaching tools that can be used to learn how to confront and transform feelings of pride, attachment, envy, anger, and ignorance. Known as kleshasin Buddhism, these five afflictive emotions cloud our understanding of the world. Through a deep, sustained investigation of these emotions, some Buddhist practitioners cultivate corresponding wisdoms and skills that help them shift their view of the world, themselves, and others. Each activity on the floor is designed to help you examine these specific emotional states.

A Space for Visitors of All Ages

The Mandala Lab welcomes guests of all ages. Stress, difficult emotions, and change occur at all stages of our lives and impact the way we view ourselves, one another, and the world around us. In the Mandala Lab, the Rubin offers a range of emotional literacy programs for adults, families, students, educators, and more that build emotional intelligence so we can all better navigate our lives.

Exhibition Audio Guide