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Mandala : A Buddhist Ritual Item

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
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 Mandala, called Dultson Kyilkhor in Tibetan, means container of ressence. In Tibetan Buddhism Mandalas come in two varieties; it can represent the universe, as it is used in the Mandala Offering Ritual, where one symbolically offers the entire universe. For this several rings can be placed on top of each other filled with rice and precious objects. During the offering one recites mandala offering prayers. In the center of the Mandala is Mount Meru, the central axis in the Buddhist cosmos. The Mandala is a tri - dimentional graphical and geometrical representation of the universe. It represents a combination of the enlightened mind and body of Buddha and is considered to have great power. These unique and exquisite works are usually made of colored sand. However, powdered flowers, herbs and ever precious gems are also popularly used materials. Although Mandalas were originally created as religious objects used to aid in meditation and decorate and sanctify monasteries and homes, they have become appreciated as artwork for their elegance and beauty.

Mandalas are usually symmetric with series of concentric circles and squares. The center point is the residence of the resident deity, from whom the Mandala is identified. Lines are drawn from the centre until they intersect and form circles and squares. The finished Mandalas have four gates, which symbolize a culmination of the four virtues: compassion, kindness, sympathy and equanimity. Other Buddhist auspicious symbols can also be included in the design. Form and color application techniques are strictly followed in the process of creating a Mandala to show religious meanings.

Placed on the shrine as an offering of the universe to the Buddhas the mandala set should be of the highest quality one can afford. The three rings are built up with rice, scattered with precious stones where possible. The summit represents Mount Meru, the mythical centre of the universe. The Mandala is a representation of the universe. Each layer is filled with offerings until the multi layered mandala is filled with coins, beads, jewels or rice. The 'universe' is then offered over the head to show you would give the entirety of existence to help others attain enlightenment. Used by practicing Tibetan Buddhists as part of the daily preliminaries to meditation, the mandala represents the naturally balanced nature of the outer world and the inner mind.

USES OF MANDALA:

The Mandala is a representation of the universe. Placed on the shrine as an offering of the universe to the Buddhas the mandala set should be of the highest quality one can afford. The three rings are built up with rice, scattered with precious stones where possible. The summit represents Mount Meru, the mythical centre of the universe. Each layer is filled with offerings until the multi layered mandala is filled with coins, beads, jewels or rice. The 'universe' is then offered over the head to show you would give the entirety of existence to help others attain enlightenment. Used by practicing Tibetan Buddhists as part of the daily preliminaries to meditation, the mandala represents the naturally balanced nature of the outer world and the inner mind.

 A mandala set (or Dultson Kyilkhor in Tibetan) is a tool used by Buddhists, Hindus, and Jainists in their offering ceremonies. The mandala set represents the mind and body of the Buddha, and can grant practitioners great power. The Sanskrit word mandala means “circle”. Mandala sets are often used in the mandala offering ritual. In this ritual, the practitioner offers the universe to the gods. In modern times, a mandala set is also used simply for decoration because of its exquisite aesthetic qualities.

The mandala set is made up of several different parts. The center of the mandala is a tall pillar representative of Mount Meru, which is a sacred Eastern mountain considered to be the center of all universes. Mount Meru is reputed to be 672,000 miles high, and has inspired the construction of many temples. Many believe that the solar system revolves around the mountain, but its exact location remains to be found. Mount Meru is described as having four sides, with each side having a different color, lapis lazuli, ruby, gold or crystal. The symbolic Mount Meru of the mandala set is crowned with an ornamental top.

When one meditates upon a mandala set, they will utter prayers of sacrifice and offering. The practice is often begun by recitation of Vajrasattva’s hundred-syllable mantra while he wipes the base clean. Next, the practitioner might add a drop of water to the base, which symbolizes his compassion. Around the center post rests a set of three concentric circles, upon which offerings may be placed. The practitioner will place each ring while reciting corresponding prayers.

One can visualize Mount Meru throughout their offering, or envision planet Earth as a veritable Mount Meru in the center of the universe. Each layer will then be filled with offerings. The offerings can be the same materials in each ring, or different for each one. Examples of common items offered are coins, beads, jewels, or rice. Others choose to offer more unique items, such as powdered flowers and herbs. It is suggested that one should offer items that the practitioner finds valuable, not what the recipient, or Buddha, finds valuable.

The higher the value of the offerings, the higher degree of merit one will achieve. Also, the higher the quality of one’s visualizations during the meditation will bring about greater merit. Once the mandala set is filled, one may raise the entire piece over his or her head, symbolizing their willingness to sacrifice the entirety of existence in order to aid others in attaining enlightenment. Through this sacrifice, one will gain both wisdom and merit. At the end of practice, one should visualize benevolent deities transforming into a white light and entering the soul of the practitioner.

The simpler preliminary practice called the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro uses only a mandala pan, filled with similar offerings cited above. The mandala set can be used in other capacities as well. One may make an offering to a spiritual teacher as a request for guidance, to present a solemn vow, for tantric empowerment, or as a symbol of gratitude at the close of a teaching or ceremony. Alternatively, those seeking to make an offering but do not have a mandala set available can form the mandala hand mudra, which can be commonly seen amongst Buddhist monks. The mandala hand mudra is fashioned by loosely entwining ones fingers together, while keeping ones palms open and facing upwards.

Mandala sets can be made of various metals such as copper, brass, silver, gold or lesser quality materials. As with most other religious items, mandala sets may be embossed or engraved with Sanskrit or Tibetan mantras and symbols. Mandala sets often bear the markings of the eight auspicious symbols. The three rings signify the Three Jewels of Refuge, namely the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. It is recommended that one have their mandala purified every month, or at the very least on an annual basis.

Mandala offering sets are a staple in the lives of Buddhist followers. Mandala sets provide an important preparation for daily meditation. Practitioners require mandala sets to help them balance the outer world with their inner mind. Especially used in conjunction with other meditative tools, the mandala set can grant the illusive virtues of wisdom and merit to devotees.

Source

www.himalayanmart.com