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 metaphysical space inhabited by the Five | + | 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]] (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 | + | 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]]. |
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Revision as of 13:52, 1 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 (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.