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The mandala is often illustrated as a imaginary palace with four gates, facing the four corners of the Earth.The gates are guarded by four angry doorkeepers.
Before the meditating person arrives at the gates, she must, however, pass the four outer circles: the purifying fire of wisdom, the vajra circle, the circle with the eight tombs, the lotus circle.
Fire of wisdom: the outermost circle consists of the purifying fire,
Vajra circle: the diamond circle expresses strength and fearlessness,
Tombs: there are eight tombs, which symbolises the eight states of consciousness*, which the person must go beyond,Lotus circle: expresses the open state of devotion, that is necessary to enter the palace.
Eight Consciousness
Consciousness ofseeing
Consciousness of hearing
Consciousness of tasting
Consciousness of smelling
Cconsciousness of the body
Consciousness of thinking
Consciousness of the I
Basic consciousness.
Buddha Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara in sanskrit), the Compassion Buddha, is the embodiment of the universal compassion of all enlightened beings. By relying upon him, we naturally increase our own compassion. His first two hands hold a jewel, symbolizing his own enlightenment; his second left hand holds a white lotus flower, symbolizing his complete purity of body, speech, and mind; and his second right hand holds a crystal mala, symbolizing that he can free all living beings from samsara.
Thangka Painting illustrated with the use of Natural Stone Color and Use of 24 Karate Gold on Canvas. |
