THREE monks made a beautiful marble creation at Christchurch Priory on Wednesday as part of their tour around the UK.

The Tibetan Monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, who are currently based at Salisbury Cathedral, worked using marble crushed to a powder and dyed, for use in the intricate design, called a Sand Mandala.

David Holme, supporter of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery UK Trust, said: “These Tibetan Monks have come here every year since 2008 on a cultural mission to Dorset.”

He added: “The Sand Mandala is the most clearly visual thing that they do, and is a highly skilled and unique art form.”

At Christchurch Priory, the monks worked for three days to create the artwork, which is named The Wheel of Compassion – The Mandala of Chenrezig, The Buddha of Compassion.

The monks also held a dedication ceremony on Thursday, where they imagined that they invited the Buddha of Compassion to the priory, and sang and chanted.

For those who missed their visit, The Tibetan Monks of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery are due to return to Christchurch Priory in October 2013.