This was the last day... the monks dissolved the mandala as a symbol of impermanence. It was kind of sad, but a potent reminder. Our life is as fragile as a water bubble, like a dream or a flash of lightning (to quote the Diamond Sutra). Buddhism teaches that if we can always remember this fact, our lives will be enriched because we will be unable to waste time in a frivolous way...it is just too precious. Nagarjuna said that wasting this precious life is like filling a golden jewel encrusted cup with excrement. It's a great reminder for me...for every hello there must be a goodbye, for every life death is certain to follow.