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Difference between revisions of "Outer Kālacakra - Jambudvīpa and Sambhala"

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[[File:Tb_2a1.jpg|thumb|250px|The second painting, of Jambudvīpa]]
 
[[File:Tb_2a1.jpg|thumb|250px|The second painting, of Jambudvīpa]]
This second painting depicts the southern continent of [[Jambudvīpa]], and many locations within it are clearly labelled. The [[Kālacakra Tantra]] and its commentary, the [[Vimalaprabhā]], describe a distinction between two areas. In its commentary to the verse predicting the first [[Kalkī]] [[king]], [[Yaśas]], the [[Vimalaprabhā]] states (the original words of the [[tantra]] are italicized):
 
  
"Regarding, After this year, six hundred years, there will arise in [[Sambhala]] the [[appearance]] of the [[lord]] of men, [[Yaśas]], this year is referring to the year when the [[Tathāgata]] taught the [[Dharma]] (of [[Kālacakra]]). Six hundred years after that year, in [[Sambhala]], {{Wiki|north}} of the [[River]] [[Śītā]], there will arise, [[Yaśas]], as it says in the text, [[Mañjuśrī]], the great [[Yaśas]], his [[appearance]], [[meaning]] that he will take a [[nirmaṇakāya]] [[body]].
 
  
"Then after [[nāga]] hundred years, means that [[nāga]], eight, hundred years after the [[nirvāṇa]] of [[Yaśas]], for certain, [[meaning]] without [[doubt]] in the land of {{Wiki|Mecca}}, the {{Wiki|barbarian}} teachings will be established. {{Wiki|South}} of the [[River]] [[Śītā]], in the land of {{Wiki|Mecca}} with ten million villages, the [[demonic]] teachings of the {{Wiki|barbarian}} Tajiks will be established."
 
  
Regarding the [[Kālacakra]] [[calendar]], the [[Vimalaprabhā]] makes the point that the [[Hindu]] calendars will become corrupt in the area {{Wiki|south}} of the [[River]] [[Śītā]], due to their lack of [[appreciation]] of {{Wiki|precession}}, described as an {{Wiki|Islamic}} {{Wiki|concept}} (ie. something the {{Wiki|Islamic}} astronomers understood, and the [[Hindu]] ones did not). However, {{Wiki|north}} of the [[river]], the [[Buddhists]] methods of {{Wiki|astronomy}} will not be corrupted.
 
  
Some of these locations are described in the painting. The [[writing]] near the top on the right-hand side states: "The 960 million villages {{Wiki|north}} of the Śīta". (The [[Tibetan]] text actually has "Sīta". In this [[word]] and [[Sambhala]], [[Tibetan]] texts often have "Ś"/"Sh" where the [[Sanskrit]] texts have "S", or vice-versa. I use the original [[Sanskrit]] spellings here.) The [[writing]] on the left-hand side, near the half-way point, states: "{{Wiki|South}} of the Sīta, adorned with the 10 million villages of {{Wiki|Mecca}} and so forth." Clearly, just above the level of this [[writing]], running horizontally across the painting, is the [[River]] Śīta. Right in the middle, very near the top, is the phrase [[gangs]] ldan, [[Himavat]]. These are the mountains said to be {{Wiki|north}} of [[Kailash]], and at the extreme {{Wiki|north}} of our continent. These are clearly the mountain chain depicted along the top edge of the painting.  
+
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
This second painting depicts the [[southern continent]] of [[Jambudvīpa]], and many locations within it are clearly labelled. The [[Kālacakra Tantra]] and its commentary, the [[Vimalaprabhā]], describe a {{Wiki|distinction}} between two areas. In its commentary to the verse predicting the first [[Kalkī]] [[king]], [[Yaśas]], the [[Vimalaprabhā]] states (the original words of the [[tantra]] are italicized):
 +
 
 +
"Regarding, After this year, six hundred years, there will arise in [[Sambhala]] the [[appearance]] of the [[lord]] of men, [[Yaśas]], this year is referring to the year when the [[Tathāgata]] [[taught]] the [[Dharma]] (of [[Kālacakra]]). Six hundred years after that year, in [[Sambhala]], {{Wiki|north}} of the [[River]] [[Śītā]], there will arise, [[Yaśas]], as it says in the text, [[Mañjuśrī]], the great [[Yaśas]], his [[appearance]], [[meaning]] that he will take a [[nirmaṇakāya]] [[body]].
 +
 
 +
"Then after [[nāga]] hundred years, means that [[nāga]], eight, hundred years after the [[nirvāṇa]] of [[Yaśas]], for certain, [[meaning]] without [[doubt]] in the land of {{Wiki|Mecca}}, the {{Wiki|barbarian}} teachings will be established. {{Wiki|South}} of the [[River]] [[Śītā]], in the land of {{Wiki|Mecca}} with ten million villages, the [[demonic]] teachings of the {{Wiki|barbarian}} [[Tajiks]] will be established."
 +
 
 +
Regarding the [[Kālacakra]] [[calendar]], the [[Vimalaprabhā]] makes the point that the [[Hindu]] calendars will become corrupt in the area {{Wiki|south}} of the [[River]] [[Śītā]], due to their lack of [[appreciation]] of {{Wiki|precession}}, described as an {{Wiki|Islamic}} {{Wiki|concept}} (ie. something the {{Wiki|Islamic}} [[astronomers]] understood, and the [[Hindu]] ones did not). However, {{Wiki|north}} of the [[river]], the [[Buddhists]] [[methods]] of {{Wiki|astronomy}} will not be corrupted.
 +
 
 +
Some of these locations are described in the painting. The [[writing]] near the top on the right-hand side states: "The 960 million villages {{Wiki|north}} of the Śīta". (The [[Tibetan]] text actually has "[[Sīta]]". In this [[word]] and [[Sambhala]], [[Tibetan]] texts often have "Ś"/"Sh" where the [[Sanskrit]] texts have "S", or vice-versa. I use the original [[Sanskrit]] spellings here.) The [[writing]] on the left-hand side, near the half-way point, states: "{{Wiki|South}} of  
 +
 
 +
the [[Sīta]], adorned with the 10 million villages of {{Wiki|Mecca}} and so forth." Clearly, just above the level of this [[writing]], running horizontally across the painting, is the [[River]] Śīta. Right in the middle, very near the top, is the [[phrase]] [[gangs]] ldan, [[Himavat]]. These are the [[mountains]] said to be {{Wiki|north}} of [[Kailash]], and at the extreme {{Wiki|north}} of our continent. These are clearly the mountain chain depicted along the top edge of the painting.  
 +
 
 +
 
 
[[File:Tb_2b1.jpg|thumb|250px|Close up of Sambhala. The writing at the top is not quite legible, but includes the word "Kailash". The words at the bottom state: "On top of Kailash, Sambhala]]
 
[[File:Tb_2b1.jpg|thumb|250px|Close up of Sambhala. The writing at the top is not quite legible, but includes the word "Kailash". The words at the bottom state: "On top of Kailash, Sambhala]]
 +
 
In the centre, just above the [[river]], is the circular [[form]] of [[Sambhala]]. The text seems to suggest here that [[Sambhala]] is on top of [[Mt. Kailash]]. The area below, to the {{Wiki|south}} of, the [[river]] has many labels. This are listed below and labelled in the picture.
 
In the centre, just above the [[river]], is the circular [[form]] of [[Sambhala]]. The text seems to suggest here that [[Sambhala]] is on top of [[Mt. Kailash]]. The area below, to the {{Wiki|south}} of, the [[river]] has many labels. This are listed below and labelled in the picture.
 
[[File:Tb_2d.jpg|thumb|250px|Key to the area south of the River Śītā]]
 
[[File:Tb_2d.jpg|thumb|250px|Key to the area south of the River Śītā]]
 
<poem>
 
<poem>
 +
 
1,2,3. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
1,2,3. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 +
 
4. {{Wiki|Turkestan}}, hor
 
4. {{Wiki|Turkestan}}, hor
 
5,6. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
5,6. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
7. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
7. [[Mongolia]], sog
8. [[China]], rgya
+
8. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
9. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
9. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
10. [[Khotan]], li
 
10. [[Khotan]], li
 
11,12. {{Wiki|Turkestan}}, hor
 
11,12. {{Wiki|Turkestan}}, hor
13,14. [[China]], rgya
+
13,14. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
15. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
15. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
16. [[Kashmir]], kha che
 
16. [[Kashmir]], kha che
17. {{Wiki|Western}} [[Tibet]], stod
+
17. {{Wiki|Western}} [[Tibet]], [[stod]]
 
18. Ga – a region in eastern [[Tibet]], 'ga'
 
18. Ga – a region in eastern [[Tibet]], 'ga'
19. [[China]], rgya
+
19. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
20. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
20. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
21. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
21. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
22. Gar-log, a border tribe, gar log
+
22. [[Gar-log]], a border tribe, gar log
 
23. Mon – mountain region, near {{Wiki|western}}(?) [[Nepal]], mon
 
23. Mon – mountain region, near {{Wiki|western}}(?) [[Nepal]], mon
 
24. [[Nepal]] ({{Wiki|Kathmandu valley}}), bal po
 
24. [[Nepal]] ({{Wiki|Kathmandu valley}}), bal po
 
25,26. Mon – mountain region, near eastern [[Nepal]], mon
 
25,26. Mon – mountain region, near eastern [[Nepal]], mon
 
27. [[Sikkim]], [[Bhutan]] area, [[rong]]
 
27. [[Sikkim]], [[Bhutan]] area, [[rong]]
28. [[China]], rgya
+
28. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
29. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
29. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
30. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
30. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
31. Gar-log, a border tribe, gar log
+
31. [[Gar-log]], a border tribe, gar log
 
32. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
32. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
33. West(ern [[India]]), nub
 
33. West(ern [[India]]), nub
 
34. [[Vajrāsana]] in Maghadha, [[rdo rje gdan]]
 
34. [[Vajrāsana]] in Maghadha, [[rdo rje gdan]]
35,36. East(ern [[India]]), shar
+
35,36. East(ern [[India]]), [[shar]]
37. [[China]], rgya
+
37. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
38. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
38. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
39. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
39. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
40. [[Mongolia]] sog
 
40. [[Mongolia]] sog
41,42. South-west(ern [[India]]), lho nub
+
41,42. South-west(ern [[India]]), [[lho]] nub
43,44. South(ern [[India]]), lho
+
43,44. South(ern [[India]]), [[lho]]
45. South-east(ern [[India]]), shar lho
+
45. South-east(ern [[India]]), [[shar]] [[lho]]
46. Gar-log gar log
+
46. [[Gar-log]] gar log
47. [[China]], rgya
+
47. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
48. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
48. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
49. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
 
49. {{Wiki|Muslims}}, [[kla klo]]
Line 56: Line 71:
 
51,52. [[Sri Lanka]], lang ling
 
51,52. [[Sri Lanka]], lang ling
 
53,54. The coast, chu mtshams
 
53,54. The coast, chu mtshams
55,56. Gar-log gar log
+
55,56. [[Gar-log]] gar log
57. [[China]], rgya
+
57. [[China]], [[rgya]]
 
58. [[Mongolia]], sog
 
58. [[Mongolia]], sog
  
 
[[Tibetan]] region:
 
[[Tibetan]] region:
  
T1,T2. North-western [[Tibet]], [[byang]] stod
+
T1,T2. North-western [[Tibet]], [[byang]] [[stod]]
 
T3. {{Wiki|Turkestan}}, hor
 
T3. {{Wiki|Turkestan}}, hor
T4. {{Wiki|Western}} [[Tibet]], stod
+
T4. {{Wiki|Western}} [[Tibet]], [[stod]]
 
T5. Central [[Tibet]], bod
 
T5. Central [[Tibet]], bod
T6. Eastern [[Tibet]], smad
+
T6. Eastern [[Tibet]], [[smad]]
T7. {{Wiki|Western}} [[Tibet]], stod
+
T7. {{Wiki|Western}} [[Tibet]], [[stod]]
 
T8. Central [[Tibet]], bod
 
T8. Central [[Tibet]], bod
T9. Eastern [[Tibet]], smad
+
T9. Eastern [[Tibet]], [[smad]]
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
  
 
===Map of [[Sambhala]]===
 
===Map of [[Sambhala]]===
 +
 +
 
[[File:Tb_3a1.jpg|thumb|250px|The third painting, a map of Sambhala]]
 
[[File:Tb_3a1.jpg|thumb|250px|The third painting, a map of Sambhala]]
The third in this series of paintings depicts [[Sambhala]] in more detail than is shown in the picture above. However, not many details are given in the original texts, and so not much detail can be expected in drawings such as these. [[Sambhala]] is said to be circular, surrounded by mountains, and shaped like an [[eight-petalled lotus]], possibly [[symbolizing]] the channels of the [[heart]] centre. The {{Wiki|capital}}, [[Kalāpa]], is said to be in the centre, although some consider [[Kalāpa]] simply to be another [[name]] for [[Sambhala]].  
+
The third in this series of paintings depicts [[Sambhala]] in more detail than is shown in the picture above. However, not many details are given in the original texts, and so not much detail can be expected in drawings such as these. [[Sambhala]] is said to be circular, surrounded by [[mountains]], and shaped like an [[eight-petalled lotus]], possibly [[symbolizing]] the [[channels]] of the [[heart]] centre. The {{Wiki|capital}}, [[Kalāpa]], is said to be in the centre, although some consider [[Kalāpa]] simply to be another [[name]] for [[Sambhala]].  
 +
 
 +
 
 
[[File:Tb_3b.jpg|thumb|250px|Detail showing one of the eight sections of Sambhala.]]
 
[[File:Tb_3b.jpg|thumb|250px|Detail showing one of the eight sections of Sambhala.]]
One praise to [[Sambhala]] by [[Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen]] ([[dol po pa shes rab rgyal mtshan]]) states that in the midst of snowy mountains, in the centre of an [[eight-petalled lotus]] is circular [[Kailash]], on top of which is [[Kalāpa]], with the king's palace in the midst of a {{Wiki|sandalwood}} {{Wiki|forest}}. This descriptions seems to identify [[Sambhala]] as [[Kalāpa]], with the surrounding region in the [[shape]] of an [[eight-petalled lotus]], with each petal divided into twelve regions, each with its own [[ruler]], and containing 10 million vilages. This gives the total of 960 million villages mentioned in the [[Vimalaprabhā]]. In the {{Wiki|image}} on the right, one of these eight regions has been highlighted.
+
One praise to [[Sambhala]] by [[Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen]] ([[dol po pa shes rab rgyal mtshan]]) states that in the midst of snowy [[mountains]], in the centre of an [[eight-petalled lotus]] is circular [[Kailash]], on top of which is [[Kalāpa]], with the king's palace in the midst of a {{Wiki|sandalwood}} {{Wiki|forest}}.  
 +
 
 +
This descriptions seems to identify [[Sambhala]] as [[Kalāpa]], with the surrounding region in the [[shape]] of an [[eight-petalled lotus]], with each petal divided into twelve regions, each with its [[own]] [[ruler]], and containing 10 million vilages. This gives the total of 960 million villages mentioned in the [[Vimalaprabhā]]. In the {{Wiki|image}} on the right, one of these eight regions has been highlighted.
 +
 
 +
 
 
[[File:Tb_3c1.jpg|thumb|250px|Detail of the capital of Sambhala, the city of Kalāpa]]
 
[[File:Tb_3c1.jpg|thumb|250px|Detail of the capital of Sambhala, the city of Kalāpa]]
In the {{Wiki|image}} on the left of [[Kalāpa]], the king's palace is clearly seen in the centre. Another praise by [[Dolpopa]] states that the famous [[Kālacakra]] [[maṇḍala]] palace built by [[Sucandra]] in the [[Mālaya grove]], lies to the {{Wiki|south}} of the centre of Kālapa. This matches the first picture on this page, which has {{Wiki|north}} at the top, but not the present one of [[Sambhala]], unless one assumes that this one is drawn with {{Wiki|east}} to the bottom, as is the case with [[maṇḍalas]]. In that case, the colours of the three-dimensional palace match. The [[maṇḍala]] palace is seen here left of centre, and the black/blue {{Wiki|colour}} should be to the {{Wiki|east}}, red to the {{Wiki|south}}, and so forth. So, we can assume that this map is not drawn with {{Wiki|north}} to the top, but {{Wiki|west}}, in the normal style of a [[maṇḍala]].
+
In the {{Wiki|image}} on the left of [[Kalāpa]], the king's palace is clearly seen in the centre. Another praise by [[Dolpopa]] states that the famous [[Kālacakra]] [[maṇḍala]] palace built by [[Sucandra]] in the [[Mālaya grove]], lies to the {{Wiki|south}} of the centre of [[Kālapa]]. This matches the first picture on this page, which has {{Wiki|north}} at the top, but not the {{Wiki|present}} one of [[Sambhala]], unless one assumes that this one is drawn with {{Wiki|east}}  
 +
 
 +
to the bottom, as is the case with [[maṇḍalas]]. In that case, the colours of the three-dimensional palace match. The [[maṇḍala]] palace is seen here left of centre, and the black/blue {{Wiki|colour}} should be to the {{Wiki|east}}, [[red]] to the {{Wiki|south}}, and so forth. So, we can assume that this map is not drawn with {{Wiki|north}} to the top, but {{Wiki|west}}, in the normal style of a [[maṇḍala]].
  
 
[[Dolpopa]] also states that {{Wiki|east}} and {{Wiki|west}} of the [[maṇḍala]] palace are ponds or lakes of [[sweet]] {{Wiki|smelling}}, cooling [[water]]. This again matches the picture shown here. [[Dolpopa]] also mentions the presence of various birds, also seen in this picture.
 
[[Dolpopa]] also states that {{Wiki|east}} and {{Wiki|west}} of the [[maṇḍala]] palace are ponds or lakes of [[sweet]] {{Wiki|smelling}}, cooling [[water]]. This again matches the picture shown here. [[Dolpopa]] also mentions the presence of various birds, also seen in this picture.

Latest revision as of 13:40, 5 September 2024

The second painting, of Jambudvīpa





This second painting depicts the southern continent of Jambudvīpa, and many locations within it are clearly labelled. The Kālacakra Tantra and its commentary, the Vimalaprabhā, describe a distinction between two areas. In its commentary to the verse predicting the first Kalkī king, Yaśas, the Vimalaprabhā states (the original words of the tantra are italicized):

"Regarding, After this year, six hundred years, there will arise in Sambhala the appearance of the lord of men, Yaśas, this year is referring to the year when the Tathāgata taught the Dharma (of Kālacakra). Six hundred years after that year, in Sambhala, north of the River Śītā, there will arise, Yaśas, as it says in the text, Mañjuśrī, the great Yaśas, his appearance, meaning that he will take a nirmaṇakāya body.

"Then after nāga hundred years, means that nāga, eight, hundred years after the nirvāṇa of Yaśas, for certain, meaning without doubt in the land of Mecca, the barbarian teachings will be established. South of the River Śītā, in the land of Mecca with ten million villages, the demonic teachings of the barbarian Tajiks will be established."

Regarding the Kālacakra calendar, the Vimalaprabhā makes the point that the Hindu calendars will become corrupt in the area south of the River Śītā, due to their lack of appreciation of precession, described as an Islamic concept (ie. something the Islamic astronomers understood, and the Hindu ones did not). However, north of the river, the Buddhists methods of astronomy will not be corrupted.

Some of these locations are described in the painting. The writing near the top on the right-hand side states: "The 960 million villages north of the Śīta". (The Tibetan text actually has "Sīta". In this word and Sambhala, Tibetan texts often have "Ś"/"Sh" where the Sanskrit texts have "S", or vice-versa. I use the original Sanskrit spellings here.) The writing on the left-hand side, near the half-way point, states: "South of

the Sīta, adorned with the 10 million villages of Mecca and so forth." Clearly, just above the level of this writing, running horizontally across the painting, is the River Śīta. Right in the middle, very near the top, is the phrase gangs ldan, Himavat. These are the mountains said to be north of Kailash, and at the extreme north of our continent. These are clearly the mountain chain depicted along the top edge of the painting.


Close up of Sambhala. The writing at the top is not quite legible, but includes the word "Kailash". The words at the bottom state: "On top of Kailash, Sambhala

In the centre, just above the river, is the circular form of Sambhala. The text seems to suggest here that Sambhala is on top of Mt. Kailash. The area below, to the south of, the river has many labels. This are listed below and labelled in the picture.

Key to the area south of the River Śītā


1,2,3. Muslims, kla klo

4. Turkestan, hor
5,6. Muslims, kla klo
7. Mongolia, sog
8. China, rgya
9. Muslims, kla klo
10. Khotan, li
11,12. Turkestan, hor
13,14. China, rgya
15. Muslims, kla klo
16. Kashmir, kha che
17. Western Tibet, stod
18. Ga – a region in eastern Tibet, 'ga'
19. China, rgya
20. Mongolia, sog
21. Muslims, kla klo
22. Gar-log, a border tribe, gar log
23. Mon – mountain region, near western(?) Nepal, mon
24. Nepal (Kathmandu valley), bal po
25,26. Mon – mountain region, near eastern Nepal, mon
27. Sikkim, Bhutan area, rong
28. China, rgya
29. Mongolia, sog
30. Muslims, kla klo
31. Gar-log, a border tribe, gar log
32. Mongolia, sog
33. West(ern India), nub
34. Vajrāsana in Maghadha, rdo rje gdan
35,36. East(ern India), shar
37. China, rgya
38. Mongolia, sog
39. Muslims, kla klo
40. Mongolia sog
41,42. South-west(ern India), lho nub
43,44. South(ern India), lho
45. South-east(ern India), shar lho
46. Gar-log gar log
47. China, rgya
48. Mongolia, sog
49. Muslims, kla klo
50. Mongolia, sog
51,52. Sri Lanka, lang ling
53,54. The coast, chu mtshams
55,56. Gar-log gar log
57. China, rgya
58. Mongolia, sog

Tibetan region:

T1,T2. North-western Tibet, byang stod
T3. Turkestan, hor
T4. Western Tibet, stod
T5. Central Tibet, bod
T6. Eastern Tibet, smad
T7. Western Tibet, stod
T8. Central Tibet, bod
T9. Eastern Tibet, smad

Map of Sambhala

The third painting, a map of Sambhala

The third in this series of paintings depicts Sambhala in more detail than is shown in the picture above. However, not many details are given in the original texts, and so not much detail can be expected in drawings such as these. Sambhala is said to be circular, surrounded by mountains, and shaped like an eight-petalled lotus, possibly symbolizing the channels of the heart centre. The capital, Kalāpa, is said to be in the centre, although some consider Kalāpa simply to be another name for Sambhala.


Detail showing one of the eight sections of Sambhala.

One praise to Sambhala by Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (dol po pa shes rab rgyal mtshan) states that in the midst of snowy mountains, in the centre of an eight-petalled lotus is circular Kailash, on top of which is Kalāpa, with the king's palace in the midst of a sandalwood forest.

This descriptions seems to identify Sambhala as Kalāpa, with the surrounding region in the shape of an eight-petalled lotus, with each petal divided into twelve regions, each with its own ruler, and containing 10 million vilages. This gives the total of 960 million villages mentioned in the Vimalaprabhā. In the image on the right, one of these eight regions has been highlighted.


Detail of the capital of Sambhala, the city of Kalāpa

In the image on the left of Kalāpa, the king's palace is clearly seen in the centre. Another praise by Dolpopa states that the famous Kālacakra maṇḍala palace built by Sucandra in the Mālaya grove, lies to the south of the centre of Kālapa. This matches the first picture on this page, which has north at the top, but not the present one of Sambhala, unless one assumes that this one is drawn with east

to the bottom, as is the case with maṇḍalas. In that case, the colours of the three-dimensional palace match. The maṇḍala palace is seen here left of centre, and the black/blue colour should be to the east, red to the south, and so forth. So, we can assume that this map is not drawn with north to the top, but west, in the normal style of a maṇḍala.

Dolpopa also states that east and west of the maṇḍala palace are ponds or lakes of sweet smelling, cooling water. This again matches the picture shown here. Dolpopa also mentions the presence of various birds, also seen in this picture.


E. Henning

See also

Source

kalacakra.org