Together, We Build Altars

Join us for a contemplative and creative Altar Workshop that invites participants to take part in a practice of Buddhist tradition and collaborative creation of a Mandala art piece. Participants will explore the meaning of altars and specifically Mandalas, a sacred geometric form used in Buddhism as a tool for meditation, representing the world we live in, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all things. We will also discuss the purpose of an altar as a space for devotion, mindfulness, and offering.

The workshop will include guided breathing exercises to ground attention and cultivate creativity, followed by the co-creation of a large mandala. Together, participants will engage in this meditative process, embracing both the beauty of creating together and the practice of letting go. The session will close with group reflection and a short meditation, offering space to integrate the experience and connect with each other.

Springtime in Buddhism is a time that honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha, making this a period of deep reflection, renewal, and celebration. While many parts of Asia lights up in celebration, we will have our own meditative celebration at Third Door. 

Viv is a nonprofit leader and the co-creator of Altarism. Her expertise in philanthropy and movement work is rooted in intergenerational spiritual practice. She approaches altar building with cultural awareness and deep intention. Trained in Eastern massage, wellness, and traditions, she brings mindfulness to each altar design and workshop.

Val is a yoga teacher and one of the stewards of Third Door Brooklyn. She also works in community-based technology. Through all of her work, Val is exploring various ways individuals and communities can reclaim agency and sovereignty in their lives through practicing self-governance—which begins on the mat. She was thrilled to connect with Viv on the mat at Third Door and collaborate with her to bring Altarism to the Third Door Community.

Altarism invites people to create meaningful spiritual practices in the quiet corners of their homes, their routines, and their inner worlds. Through mindfully designed altar pieces and guided altar making practices, we transform modern spaces into places of meditation, reflection, and devotion. Join us for a beautiful evening.