The grains of the intricate sand painting painstakingly created by Buddhist monks were to be dispersed into the Jordan River to spread peace throughout the valley.
But just as the monks were completing their ceremonial blessing of the sand, a screaming gunman took 18 hostages and threatened an execution if his demands weren't met.The sand remained in the library during the ordeal. And the monks believe it was the sacred sand that blessed the library and protected the hostages.
Pema Chagzoetsang organized the visit of the Tibetan Buddhist monks to Salt Lake City. A Buddhist, she translated for her friends, the monks, as they described the experience that seemed to mock their peaceful mission.
The monks said that gunman Clifford Lynn Draper told them just before he took his hostages into the conference room that he didn't have long to live and to pray for him. Draper thanked them for the sand painting, for their peace efforts and their teachings of love.
None of the monks was held as hostages.
As fear and uncertainty filled the minds of hostages being held in the library, the monks sat cross-legged on the lawn of City Hall, across the street from the chaotic scene, chanting songs of peace.
Reporters stepped around them while rushing around trying to piece together the details of the unfolding crisis. But the monks seemed unaffected by the mayhem.
They prayed for Draper's heart to be changed and for his head to be healed of harmful thoughts. They prayed for the hostages' souls to be filled with calm, said Chagzoetsang.
After ambulances carried the critically wounded gunman to the hospital and the end of the hostage ordeal was announced, the monks graciously thanked the police officers for their efforts in preserving the hostages' lives.
Saturday was the final day of the monks' five-day visit at the library, part of a U.S. tour to increase awareness of Buddhist traditions. Witnesses said Draper showed up every day to observe their activities.
The monks, who currently live in exile in India after being driven out of Tibet by the Chinese, understand conflict as well as they understand peace, said Chagzoetsang.
"They believe that the sand painting helped the police to think clearly and for the hostages to not lose faith," she said. "They believe that the grains of sand fulfilled a mission of peace in an unexpected way."
The monks, who believe in reincarnation, prayed for Draper to be a better person in the next life.