Mandala - Sacred Geometry & Arts .

MANDALA 

What is Mandala ?

 A : Is a Geometric designs intended to symbolize the universe .

The word mandala itself is derived from the root manda , which means essence . As an image , a mandala may symbolize both the mind and the body of the Buddha . 

  Mandalas consist of an outer circular mandala and an inner square (or sometimes circular) mandala with an ornately decorated mandala palace placed at the center .

 In Buddhism the principle in the mandala is the presence of the Buddha in it , but images of deities are not necessary. They may be presented either as a wheel, a tree, or a jewel, or in any other symbolic manifestation.

EXAMPLE OF MANDALA WITH A DEITY

         Generally the central deity may be : 

- Peaceful Deity 

- Wrathful Deity

- Sexual Imagery Deity

                                        Peaceful Deities .

 Peaceful Deities :

     Peaceful deity symbolizes its own particular existential and spiritual approach. 

For example ; 

  The image of Boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara symbolizes compassion as the central focus of the spiritual experience; 

 Manjushri takes wisdom as the central focus ;

 Vajrapani emphasizes the need for courage and strength in the quest for sacred knowledge .

                                         

                                                                                                                                                           Wrathful Deities

Wrathful Deities :

Wrathful deities suggest the mighty struggle involved in overcoming one's alienation. 

They embody all the inner afflictions which darken our thoughts , our words , and our deeds and which prohibit attainment of the Buddhist goal of full enlightenment. Traditionally, wrathful deities are understood to be aspects of benevolent principles, fearful only to those who perceive them as alien forces. When recognized as aspects of one's self and tamed by spiritual practice, they assume a purely benevolent guise.

                              Sexual Imagery

Sexual Imagery :

Wrathful deities suggest the mighty struggle involved in overcoming one's alienation. They embody all the inner afflictions which darken our thoughts, our words, and our deeds and which prohibit attainment of the Buddhist goal of full enlightenment. Traditionally, wrathful deities are understood to be aspects of benevolent principles, fearful only to those who perceive them as alien forces. When recognized as aspects of one's self and tamed by spiritual practice, they assume a purely benevolent guise.

  COLOURS OF MANDALA :

• White - Vairocana: The delusion of ignorance becomes the wisdom of reality.
• Yellow - Ratnasambhava: The delusion of pride becomes the wisdom of sameness.
• Red - Amitabha: The delusion of attachment becomes the wisdom of discernment.
• Green - Amoghasiddhi: The delusion of jealousy becomes the wisdom of accomplishment.
• Blue - Akshobhya: The delusion of anger becomes the mirror like wisdom.

 In the context of the Buddhist path the purpose of a mandala is to put an end to human suffering, to attain enlightenment and to attain a correct view of Reality. 

There are many more functions of Mandala ; Anyone care to share ? :)