MANDALA:
Buddhist Tantric Diagrams
In Mahayana Buddhism, a mandala is an imaginary palace that
is contemplated during meditation. Each object in the palace
has significance, representing some aspect of wisdom or
reminding the meditator of some guiding principle. Tradition
dictates the shapes, sizes and colors of these objects.
There are many different mandalas, each with different
lessons to teach. Most mandalas contain a host of deities as
well as inanimate objects.
Mandalas are usually displayed in two dimension, and are
commonly made from paper, textiles, and colored sand. In a
sand painting the sand is dyed and then carefully placed on
a large, flat table. The construction process takes several
days, and the mandala is destroyed shortly after its
completion.
The most well-known mandala is illustrated as a palace with
four gates, facing the four corners of the Earth. In the
centre is a lotus blossom with eight petals, resting on a
bed of jewels. In the next place are the walls of the palace
with gates towards the four corners of the earth. The gates
are guarded by four angry doorkeepers. Before the meditating
person arrives at the gates, he must, however, pass the four
outer circles: the purifying fire of wisdom, the vajra
circle, the circle with the eight tombs and the lotus
circle.
Fire of wisdom: the outermost circle consists of the
purifying fire.
Vajra circle: the diamond circle expresses strength and
fearlessness.
Tombs: there are eight tombs, which symbolise the eight
states of consciousness (consciousness of seeing,
consciousness of hearing, consciousness of tasting,
consciousness of smelling, consciousness of the body,
consciousness of thinking, consciousness of the I, basic
consciousness), which the person must go beyond.
Lotus circle: expresses the open state of devotion, that is
necessary to enter the palace.
Colours in the mandalas represent the five aspects of the
knowledge of a Buddha. These are: Mirror-like wisdom,
Universal law, Wisdom of equality, Discrimination, All
accomplishing wisdom.
The four gateways are the 'Four Immeasurable Thoughts'.
Love, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, Equanimity.
