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Mandala, in Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism, a symbolic diagram used in the performance of sacred rites and as an instrument of meditation. The mandala is basically a representation of the universe, a consecrated area that serves as a receptacle for the gods and as a collection point of universal forces.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
A mandala (Sanskrit: मण्डल, romanized: maṇḍala, lit. 'circle', [ˈmɐɳɖɐlɐ]) is a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.
It is also called the Nishi or Western Mandara. It consists of six squares framed by borders containing Buddhist deities or symbols. In the upper center square is Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana) seated on a lotus pedestal within a circle, and with two halos behind him.
In Hinduism, Mandalas take the form of Rangoli or Kolam, vibrant and colourful patterns made on the ground using coloured rice, flowers, or powders. These Mandalas hold cultural and religious significance, often created during festivals, weddings, or other auspicious occasions.
- Vajrayana – Thunderbolt Or A Diamond Vehicle
- What Is A Mandala?
- Philosophy Behind The Mandala
- Types of Mandalas
- Mandalas in Different Media
- Creation of A Mandala
- The Art of Mandala – Rituals
- Mandala: Ritual in Action
In the 7th and 8th centuries, Vajrayana, “Thunderbolt or a Diamond Vehicle”, an esoteric form of Buddhism, emerged. Buddhists believe that humans are reborn until they perfect their karma. Therefore, enlightenment and release from samsara, or the cycle of rebirth, might take countless lifetimes. However, in Vajrayana Buddhism, it is possible to att...
Form and Structure
Traditionally the mandala is a geometric design, comprised of circles within a square. Usually, it refers to what is held within the circle. Buddhist mandalas are highly ordered structures with little room for artistic freedom though. However, makers of a mandala may slightly vary colors and details, such as depictions of flames or water. For many Himalayan traditions, the squares of the two-dimensional mandalas are representations of a three-dimensional palace. A two-dimensional painting of...
Meaning of a Mandala
The mandala is a symbolic representation of the ancient conception of the cosmos. In its center is Mount Meru, theaxis mundior central axis of the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual universe. The earliest appearance of the mountain’s name, Meru, is in the Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Mount Meru, also called Sumeru, is the pillar in the center of the world. It penetrates the universe from top to bottom. The wind layer is below and the heavens are above this mountain. Meanwhile, seven...
Origin of the Mandala
The origin of the mandala is not quite clear. However, the earliest concepts may have come from India and were initially mentioned in early Sanskrit texts. They described how the gods may have existed in their worlds. For example, Manjushri, the bodhisattvaof wisdom, appears in this sculpture in his esoteric form, with three heads and six arms. The way he crosses his hands at the chest signifies supreme wisdom. Manjushri holds a bow and arrow, a sword, a lotus, and vajras or ritual weapons. M...
Five Tathagatas or Dhyani Buddhas
In places like Paharpur thinkers probably helped to develop the concept of the Five Tathagatas or Dhyani Buddhas. These deities are “self-born” celestial buddhas who have existed since the beginning of time. In contrast with historical figures like Gautama Buddha, they represent intangible forces and divine principles. These Buddhas usually include Vairocana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi. Each of them has their own colors, symbols, and mudras. They also face different...
Diamond Realm Mandala
The Vajradhatu (Diamond Realm) Mandalais one of the mandalas with Five Dhyani Buddhas. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Diamond Realm is a metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Buddhas. The four-faced, eight-armed white Vairocana is in the center of this mandala. Other Buddhas sit at the centers of the four adjacent circles. Each of these Buddhas offers spiritual tools that can be used on the path to enlightenment. Firstly, Vairocana, teaching the dharma or nature of reality, combats ignorance....
Ryokai – Mandala of the Two Worlds
From Tibet, we are transported to China and Japan. In Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, Ryokai or the Mandala of the Two Worlds represents the Buddhist cosmos. It may have first appeared in the eighth century in China. In 805, a Chinese Buddhist monk, Huiguo, explained the meaning of this mandala to his Japanese disciple Kukai, known as Kobo Daishi. Kukai then introduced the pair of mandalas to Japan. Consequently, they became one of the canonical foundations for his new Shingon sect. The first, th...
Kongokai or Diamond World Mandala
The Diamond World, or kongokaimandala is composed of nine near squares. Within each square is a mandala in its own right. Here, Vairocana, or Dainichi in Japanese, appears in a state of infinite, all-encompassing wisdom. He is the Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos from which the entire universe emanates. He also sits in the top middle assembly. The central lighter square assembly of the entire mandala is the basis for meditations leading to the attainment of Buddhahood. Furthermore, the eight squa...
Mandalas can be created in different media. They may be painted on a wall, cloth, or on paper. Occasionally they are rendered through sand painting or in other sculpted materials. For example, this grain mandala set consists of five silver repoussé components. They are stacked together with quantities of small particles of rice, barley, or other gr...
Artists and monks can create mandalas in sculptural and architectural forms. They may also paint mandalas on a wall, cloth, or paper. For example, for ceremonies, monks often create mandalas in less permanent media, with colored powders or sands. They put a lot of effort into producing mandalas. Performing a series of rituals, they prepare the spac...
Mandalas are beautiful works of art. They also aid in the exploration of deep and divine concepts. Initiation rituals help to define the sacred space of a mandala. They come with a beautiful set of highly symbolic accessories. Before the mandala ritual takes place, practitioners use the tantric hand dagger to eliminate negative forces that may inha...
Watch Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery construct a mandala with colored sand over the course of five days.
In the Taizōkai Mandara, Dainichi is depicted in the center of the red lotus flower surrounded by four other Nyorai— each representing one of the four directions—and four bosatsu. The most famous image of Dainichi is in a temple called Tōdai-ji which is located in the city of Nara.
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Oct 13, 2020 · A Mandala (Sanskrit for “circle”) is an artistic representation of higher thought and deeper meaning given as a geometric symbol used in spiritual, emotional, or psychological work to focus one's attention. The image first appears in India via the Hindu text known as the Rig Veda c. 1500 - c. 500 BCE.
