Difference between revisions of "Diamond Realm"
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In [[Vajrayana]] [[Buddhism]], the [[Diamond Realm]] (Skt. [[वज्धातु]] [[vajradhātu]], Jp. [[金剛界]] [[kongōkai]]) is a {{Wiki|metaphysical}} {{Wiki|space}} inhabited by the [[Five Wisdom Buddhas]]. The [[Diamond Realm]] [[Mandala]] is based on an [[esoteric]] [[Buddhist]] [[Sutra]] called the [[Vajrasekhara Sutra]]. | In [[Vajrayana]] [[Buddhism]], the [[Diamond Realm]] (Skt. [[वज्धातु]] [[vajradhātu]], Jp. [[金剛界]] [[kongōkai]]) is a {{Wiki|metaphysical}} {{Wiki|space}} inhabited by the [[Five Wisdom Buddhas]]. The [[Diamond Realm]] [[Mandala]] is based on an [[esoteric]] [[Buddhist]] [[Sutra]] called the [[Vajrasekhara Sutra]]. | ||
| − | The [[Diamond Realm]] is a very popular subject for [[mandalas]], and along with the [[Womb Realm]] (Garbhakosa | + | The [[Diamond Realm]] is a very popular subject for [[mandalas]], and along with the [[Womb Realm Mandala]] ([[Garbhakosa Mandala]] forms the [[Mandala]] of the [[Two Realms]]. This [[Mandala]], along with the [[Womb Realm]], [[Form]] the core of {{Wiki|Japanese}} [[esoteric]], or [[Shingon]] [[Buddhist]], [[Rituals]], including the initiation or [[abhisheka]] [[Ritual]]. In this [[Ritual]], new initiates are blindfolded, and are asked to toss a flower upon a [[Mandala]]. Where the flower lands helps decide which [[Buddhist]] figure the student should devote themselves to. |
In [[traditional]] [[Shingon]] [[Buddhist]] halls, the [[Diamond Realm]] [[Mandala]] is hung on the west wall symbolizing the final realization of [[Mahā Vairocana]] [[Buddha]]. In this setting, the [[Womb Realm]] [[Mandala]] is hung on the east wall, symbolizing the young stage of [[MahāVairocana]] [[Buddha]]. | In [[traditional]] [[Shingon]] [[Buddhist]] halls, the [[Diamond Realm]] [[Mandala]] is hung on the west wall symbolizing the final realization of [[Mahā Vairocana]] [[Buddha]]. In this setting, the [[Womb Realm]] [[Mandala]] is hung on the east wall, symbolizing the young stage of [[MahāVairocana]] [[Buddha]]. | ||
Revision as of 23:23, 21 August 2013
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Diamond Realm (Skt. वज्धातु vajradhātu, Jp. 金剛界 kongōkai) is a metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Wisdom Buddhas. The Diamond Realm Mandala is based on an esoteric Buddhist Sutra called the Vajrasekhara Sutra.
The Diamond Realm is a very popular subject for mandalas, and along with the Womb Realm Mandala (Garbhakosa Mandala forms the Mandala of the Two Realms. This Mandala, along with the Womb Realm, Form the core of Japanese esoteric, or Shingon Buddhist, Rituals, including the initiation or abhisheka Ritual. In this Ritual, new initiates are blindfolded, and are asked to toss a flower upon a Mandala. Where the flower lands helps decide which Buddhist figure the student should devote themselves to.
In traditional Shingon Buddhist halls, the Diamond Realm Mandala is hung on the west wall symbolizing the final realization of Mahā Vairocana Buddha. In this setting, the Womb Realm Mandala is hung on the east wall, symbolizing the young stage of MahāVairocana Buddha.
