Mandala : A Buddhist Ritual Item
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.
