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CELESTIAL PALACES:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala\u2019s are geometric creations that are meant to be used as two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional celestial palaces. The palaces depicted by ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas belong to specific buddhas or deities, and the personalities of these buddhas or deities are represented by the incorporation of various symbols in the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala. For example, when the main buddha of the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala is connected to healing, images of herbs and other medicinal symbols will be included in the design of the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala. (Powers, p.263) When visualizing a ma\u1e47\u1e0dala as a top down view of a three-dimensional structure, one can observe four gates that face the four different directions. These gates are entrances to the palace. At the center of the palace, symbols representing the main buddha or deity of the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala can be found. (Ancient History Encyclopedia, 2013)
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sculpture of a Palace Represented by a Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala. https:\/\/tibethouse.us\/mandala\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The palaces represented by ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas are sacred transformations of the outer world. By representing the transformation of the outer world, ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas can be used as a blueprint for meditators. Ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas represent the ideal state of mind that one wants to achieve. They allow mediators to visualize ideal qualities that don\u2019t necessarily already exist. For example, when looking at mental qualities, ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas allow one to conceptualize aspects of an awakened personality. This process allows for mental transformation, and it can eventually lead to the awakening of ones consciousness. (Powers, p. 263)<\/p>\n\n\n\n TANTRIC INITIATION:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \tIn the context of Tantric Buddhism, ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas are used during initiation ceremonies. There are four main types of tantric initiations: vase, secret, knowledge, and word. These ceremonies give practitioners the authority to recite tantras, and they also lay the foundation for meditators to bring their practice to fruition. However, for these initiation ceremonies to be deemed legitimate, ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas must be utilized. (Powers, p.270) <\/p>\n\n\n\n \tMa\u1e47\u1e0dalas allow for the presence of a buddha to be manifested in a physical space. When a ma\u1e47\u1e0dala is created, the essence of the buddha or deity represented by that ma\u1e47\u1e0dala is invited to be present for the initiation ceremony. Therefore, the area where a ma\u1e47\u1e0dala is constructed serves as a locus of ritual power during tantric initiations. During the ceremony, the practitioners are instructed on how to visualize the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala, specifically, the buddha or the deities represented in the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala. This allows for the development of the mental complex and helps one to reach the goal of the initiations, which is a form of purification. (Moacanin, p. 70) After a practitioner has been initiated, in some traditions, it\u2019s necessary for one to have an image of the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala used in the ceremony. They are required to keep this image with them as a sign of their devotion to the tantric tradition. (Watt, 2009) <\/p>\n\n\n\n After the competition of a tantric initiation, the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala used in the ceremony is destroyed. The ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas are destroyed for two main reasons. The first reason is to disperse the blessings associated with the buddha or deity of the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala to the surrounding areas. Traditionally, the sand from the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala will be collected and deposited into a river. This allows all beings to benefit from the initiation ceremony, and it relates back to one of the primary motivations of the Vajray\u0101na, also called the Tantray\u0101na, tradition: compassion for all sentient beings. Ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas are also destroyed to represent the idea of impermanence, a notion that\u2019s common throughout the practice Buddhism. (Exploring the Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala, Blume) THE K\u0100LACHAKRA: <\/p>\n\n\n\n An example of a famous ma\u1e47\u1e0dala is the K\u0101lachakra. K\u0101lachakra means \u201ccycle of time\u201d, and this ma\u1e47\u1e0dala corresponds to the K\u0101lachakra tantra. Both this ma\u1e47\u1e0dala and the corresponding tantra are extremely complex, and some believe that the K\u0101lachakra is the most advanced form of Vajray\u0101na practice. Similar to other ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas, every symbol in the K\u0101lachakra has a specific meaning that relates to a specific aspect of the tantra. The palace represented by this ma\u1e47\u1e0dala has five distinct floors that represent the body, speech, mind, pristine consciousness, and great bliss. This ma\u1e47\u1e0dala has seven hundred and twenty-two figures of the buddha, and the K\u0101lachakra Buddha is located in the center of the palace. When utilized in the practice of visualization meditation, this ma\u1e47\u1e0dala facilitates the initiation of the K\u0101lachakra tantra. (The Kalachakra Mandala) (International Kalachakra Network) The K\u0101lachakra Ma\u1e47\u1e0dala. https:\/\/www.namgyal.org\/the-kalachakra-mandala\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n MODERN USAGE: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past, ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas were created in private, solely for the use of initiation ceremonies. However, in modern times, the purpose of the ma\u1e47\u1e0dala has expanded. For example, The Dalai Lama has permitted the practice of making ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas for the public. Now, it\u2019s common for Tibetan monks to travel to various institutions, including schools and museums, to create sand ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas. Although these ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas are not being used in the conventional tantric context, they allow the tradition to be maintained. Monks create ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas in hopes of spreading awareness and as a sign of world peace. The new practice of creating public ma\u1e47\u1e0dalas helps to preserve this aspect of Buddhism. (More About the Sand Mandala) REFERENCES: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cExploring the Mandala.\u201d Asia Society<\/em>, https:\/\/asiasociety.org\/exploring-mandala<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harderwijk, Rudy. The Kalachakra Mandala<\/em>, http:\/\/kalachakranet.org\/mandala_kalachakra.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMandalas: An Introduction, Painting & Sculpture.\u201d Himalayan Art Resources<\/em>, https:\/\/www.himalayanart.org\/search\/set.cfm?setID=2093<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moacanin, Radmila. Jungs Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism: Western and Eastern Paths to the Heart<\/em>. Wisdom Publications, 2010. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMore about Sand Mandala.\u201d Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies<\/em>, https:\/\/www.namgyal.org\/more-about-sand-mandala\/<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Picone, Kiri. \u201cIntricate Tibetan Sand Paintings Dismantled After Completion.\u201d All That’s Interesting<\/em>, All That’s Interesting, 30 Mar. 2015, https:\/\/allthatsinteresting.com\/sand-painting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Powers, John. Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism<\/em>. SNOW LION, an Imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Kalachakra Mandala.\u201d Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies<\/em>, https:\/\/www.namgyal.org\/the-kalachakra-mandala\/<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTibetan Buddhist Art: Mandala.\u201d Tibet House US<\/em>, https:\/\/tibethouse.us\/mandala\/<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Violatti, Cristian. \u201cMandala.\u201d Ancient History Encyclopedia<\/em>, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 24 Nov. 2019, https:\/\/www.ancient.eu\/mandala\/<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n FURTHER READINGS: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],’newworldencyclopedia_org-Box-2′,’ezslot_0′,106,’0′,’0′]));Mandala.\u201d Mandala – New World Encyclopedia<\/em>, https:\/\/www.newworldencyclopedia.org\/entry\/Mandala<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [An encyclopedia entry on how mandalas are used in different branches of Buddhism and also different religions.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Berzin, Alexander. \u201cWhat Is a Mandala?\u201d – Study Buddhism<\/em>, Berzin Archives E.V., https:\/\/studybuddhism.com\/en\/tibetan-buddhism\/tantra\/buddhist-tantra\/what-is-a-mandala<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [An article that gives a general overview of mandalas and general meditative practices.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIntroduction to the Kalachakra.\u201d The 14th Dalai Lama<\/em>, 25 Nov. 2019, https:\/\/www.dalailama.com\/teachings\/kalachakra-initiations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [An article that describes the distinctions in the different branches of Buddhism, and also gives a general overview of the Kalachakra tantra.] EXTERNAL LINKS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/encyclopediabuddhicaf19.andrewquintman.wescreates.wesleyan.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/image-2.png\")
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