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Shakyamuni Buddha: The Life and Teachings of the Awakened One

Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha, was a spiritual teacher who lived in ancient India and founded Buddhism. He was born in the Shakya tribe in present-day Nepal in the sixth century BCE, and since then, millions of people all around the world have been inspired by his teachings. Siddhartha Gautama, according to Buddhist legend, was protected from the harsh realities of life, but after leaving the confines of his palace, he saw the sorrows of old age, illness, and death. 

He was inspired by this encounter to give up his luxurious lifestyle and search for the meaning of life. At the age of 35, after years of diligent spiritual work and meditation, he attained enlightenment. He rose to fame as the Buddha and spent the remainder of his days lecturing to people about his discoveries.

Early Life and the Four Sights

Shakyamuni Buddha was born into a wealthy family in Nepal and lived a sheltered life within the palace walls. At the age of 29, he left the palace grounds and was confronted with the “Four Sights” that changed his life forever. These sightings had a profound effect on Siddhartha, leading him to question the nature of human existence and the purpose of life. He realised that life was marked by suffering, illness, and death, and that these experiences were shared by all humans, regardless of wealth or status. These realisations set Siddhartha on a path of spiritual seeking, seeking to understand the nature of suffering and the path to liberation.

Teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings revolve around the idea that all human beings suffer and seek happiness, but our attachments and cravings lead us into a cycle of suffering. The Noble Eightfold Way, which consists of eight practices that lead to the cessation of desire and the achievement of enlightenment, is what the Buddha taught to break this cycle. Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Attention are some examples of these practices. 

The Buddha also placed a strong emphasis on the cultivation of mindfulness, which promotes greater self-awareness as well as inner calm and clarity. The Buddha also stressed the value of showing kindness and compassion to all beings, including ourselves. These teachings continue to inspire and direct individuals seeking spiritual development and transformation. They have had a great influence on millions of people all over the world.

The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path

The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path are at the core of the Buddha’s teachings. These are the Four Noble Truths:

Dukkha: The truth of suffering – all beings experience suffering, pain, and unsatisfactoriness in life.

Samudaya: The truth of the cause of suffering – craving and attachment to impermanent things cause suffering.

Nirodha: The truth about the end of suffering is that desire and attachment may be destroyed in order to end suffering.

Magga: The Noble Eightfold Path is the route to enlightenment and the truth of the path to the end of suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of eight interrelated practices that lead to the cessation of suffering. These are:

Right View: Seeing reality for what it is and recognizing its nature.

Right Intention: Having good intents and motives that are in accordance with the road to freedom

Right Speech:  Communicating in a sincere, considerate, and effective manner.

Right Action: Taking the right course of action is acting in a way that is both useful to oneself and others.

Right Livelihood: Earning a life without harming other people

Right Effort: Making an effort to cultivate good attributes and give up bad ones.

Right Mindfulness: Being mindful in the right way is being conscious of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present.

Right Concentration: Developing deep concentration and focus through meditation.

Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha

The mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha is “Om Muni Muni Maha muniye Swaha” and is considered one of the most powerful mantras in Buddhism. 

The word “Om” is a sacred sound in Hinduism and Buddhism, while “Muni” means “sage” or “wise one,” and “Maha Muniye” means “great sage.” “Swaha” is an expression of dedication or surrender. 

Reciting the mantra is said to bring about spiritual transformation and increase wisdom and compassion. It is believed to have a purifying effect on negative karma and can help overcome obstacles on the path towards enlightenment. Some Buddhists also believe that reciting the mantra can bring protection and blessings from the Buddha. Overall, the mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha is a powerful tool for cultivating inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual growth.

Legacy and Impact of Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha left behind a large and enduring legacy, and his teachings have had a significant influence on millions of people all across history. He is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual teachers in history, and many different schools of Buddhism have their roots in his teachings.

The world has been profoundly impacted by the Buddha’s teachings, which have influenced social justice movements, literature, art, and philosophy. Several people have been motivated to work toward personal development and spiritual awakening by his teachings on compassion, nonviolence, and the value of leading a mindful life.

Buddhism has spread across the globe, with millions of followers and practitioners in Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. The teachings of the Buddha have also had a significant impact on various fields of study, including psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science. Furthermore, the Buddha’s legacy is not limited to his teachings alone. His life story has inspired countless works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and literature, and his image can be found in many temples and homes across the world.
The legacy of Shakyamuni Buddha is proof of the potency of spiritual awakening and the transforming effects it may have on people and society at large. Millions of people are still inspired by and guided by his teachings as they travel the road to freedom and enlightenment.

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Maitreya Buddha: The Future Buddha

Maitreiya Buddha - Handmade Tnangka Painting from

Maitreya Buddha is a future Buddha who is expected to come to earth from Tushita Heaven. He is supposed to be passing the life of a Bodhisattva in the Tushita Heaven preparatory to his descent to earth in human form. It is said that he will come to earth 400 years after the disappearance of Gautam Buddha for the deliverance of all sentient beings. He is the only Bodhisattva who is worshipped both by the Hinayanists and the Mahayanists.

Maitreya may be represented as a standing figure adorned with rich ornaments and holding in his right hand the stalk of a lotus. Maitreya may also be represented seated as a Buddha, with legs either interlocked or dangling down. His color is yellow and his images sometimes bear figures of Dhyani Buddhas.

The Prophecy of Maitreya

A significant part of the Buddhist tradition is the Maitreya prophesy, which foretells the coming of a new Buddha who would spread the Dharma across the globe. The prophesy states that Maitreya is in the Tushita Heaven and is patiently awaiting his time to leave there and become a Buddha. He is seen as a bodhisattva who has achieved enlightenment but has chosen to put off becoming a fully realized Buddha in order to assist others. As a bodhisattva, Maitreya has vowed to fulfill his commitment to turn into a Buddha and aid in the enlightenment of all sentient beings.

According to the scriptures, Maitreya will be born into a wealthy family in the future but would later give up his material belongings and live as a traveling monk. He would ultimately become a Buddha and spread the Dharma throughout the globe, bringing about a new period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. For Buddhists all around the globe, the prediction of Maitreya’s advent serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement, serving as a reminder that the Buddha’s teachings are eternal and applicable to all cultures and that there is always the possibility of spiritual rebirth and development. For Buddhists everywhere, his coming is a sign of hope and regeneration.

Teachings of Maitreya

The teachings of Maitreya Buddha are a fundamental part of Buddhist tradition and are anticipated to be extremely important in establishing a new period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. He is regarded as a master of the bodhisattva path, which is the route to Buddhahood that is characterized by compassion and selflessness. His teachings stress the significance of showing compassion and respect for all sentient creatures, understanding the interconnection of all things, and working to end suffering in the world. His teachings are meant to encourage individuals to lead moral lives and to develop bodhisattva traits like kindness, patience, and knowledge. 

The teachings of Maitreya Buddha are regarded as a continuation of those of the Buddha and are in line with the fundamental ideas of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. His teachings emphasize the development of loving-kindness, compassion, and knowledge, all of which are necessary characteristics on the road to enlightenment. His teachings are anticipated to have a significant influence on society, encouraging individuals to conduct more kind and moral lives and ushering in a new period of spiritual rebirth and change.

Mantra of Maitreya

There are a number of mantras connected to Maitreya Buddha, each with a distinct meaning and goal. These are two popular mantras:

Om Maitri Maitri Mahamaitri Shodasi Svaaha: The key virtues highlighted by Maitreya are loving-kindness and compassion, which are developed through the repetition of this mantra. It can be recited while seeing Maitreya and visualizing him spreading love and compassion.

Om Maitreya Namo Buddhaya: This mantra is the salutation and adoration given to Maitreya Buddha in order to show respect and devotion. It can be recited to entice Maitreya’s presence and blessings during meditation or prayer.

It’s vital to remember that the intention and attention of the person repeating a mantra can have a role in how powerful the sound is. The formation of loving-kindness, compassion, and reverence for Maitreya Buddha can be a great practice for spiritual growth and transformation, whether or not mantras are said.

The Significance of Maitreya

Because of the prophecy of his advent, which promises a new period of spiritual rebirth and development, Maitreya Buddha is a significant figure in the Buddhist tradition. He is regarded as the ideal of a bodhisattva, embodying compassion and selflessness. His teachings stress the significance of treating all sentient beings with kindness and respect, and his personal example encourages Buddhists to develop the bodhisattva virtues.

The value of wisdom, compassion, and virtuous conduct is emphasized in Maitreya’s teachings, which are consistent with the fundamental ideas of Buddhism. The Buddha’s message is global and everlasting, and his teachings serve as a continuation of those of the historical Buddha. The future Buddha, known as Maitreya, is believed to come to Earth to teach the Dharma and usher in a new period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

In Buddhist nations, where he is frequently portrayed in sculpture and art, Maitreya Buddha has tremendous cultural significance. His likeness represents the Buddha’s teachings and acts as a prompt to practice virtue, compassion, and knowledge. His teachings carry on the Buddha’s message by highlighting the value of compassion, wisdom, and moral behavior.

Maitreya Buddha, who represents the bodhisattva ideal of compassion and benevolence and predicts a new period of spiritual rebirth and development, is an important figure in the Buddhist tradition. The teachings of Maitreya highlight the value of developing knowledge, living virtuously, and treating all sentient beings with love and respect. His coming as the future Buddha is viewed as a sign of inspiration and hope for Buddhists all across the world, proving the teachings of the Buddha to be eternal and global. In Buddhist nations, Maitreya is revered as a cultural icon who serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings and the value of virtue, compassion, and knowledge.

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Amitabha Buddha | Amitayus

The great savior Buddha is known as Amitabha (Sanskrit: “Infinite Light”), also known as Amitayus (“Infinite Life”), Japanese Amida, and Chinese Emituo Fo in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in the so-called Pure Land sects. According to the Sukhavati-vyuha-sutras, which serve as the foundational texts for the Pure Land sects, a monk by the name of Dharmakara took several vows, the 18th of which stated that upon his attaining Buddhahood, all who had faith in him and invoked his name would be reborn in his paradise and would live there in bliss until they attained enlightenment. Dharmakara ruled as the Buddha Amitabha in the Western Paradise, also known as Sukhavati, the Pure Land, after fulfilling his vows.

In 650 CE, Amitabha’s devotion emerged in China. From there, it went to Japan, where it resulted in the establishment of the Pure Land school and the Real Pure Land school, both of which still have significant followings today. The late Heian era raig paintings of Japan depict Amitabha’s Pure Land and Amitabha descending to welcome the recently deceased in a beautiful way (897–1185).

In Tibet and Nepal, Amitabha is revered as one of the five “self-born” buddhas (dhyani-buddhas) who have existed eternally. Amitabha was never as well-known as a savior figure there as he was in East Asia. In accordance with this theory, he appeared as both the bodhisattva (“buddha-to-be”) Avalokiteshvara and the historical Buddha Gotama. His color is red, his posture is one of meditation (dhyana-mudra), his symbol is a begging bowl, his mount is a peacock, his consort is Pandara, his family is Raga, his element is water, his sacred sound is “ba” or “ah,” his skandha (element of existence) is taste, his sense organ is the tongue, and his place in the body is the mouth.

Amitabha is referred to as Amitayus, or “Infinite Life,” since he bestows a long life. While the two names are frequently used interchangeably in China and Japan, the two forms are never confused in Tibet, where Amitayus is revered in a specific rite in order to live a long life. He is shown holding the ambrosia vase from which the jewels of eternal life spill while sporting ornaments, a crown, and other accessories.

Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amitayus or Amituofo, is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, along with Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi, and Vairochana. Amitabha is revered as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life. He is believed to have created the Pure Land, a realm of perfect bliss and enlightenment, where beings can be reborn through the power of his grace and merit. This
Pure Land is known as Sukhavati or Dewachen.

The Pure Land tradition of Buddhism is particularly popular in China, Japan, and Korea, where it is known as Jodo, Jodo Shinshu, and Cheontae, respectively. Followers of the Pure Land tradition believe that by chanting Amitabha’s name, they can generate the necessary merit to be reborn in his Pure Land and attain enlightenment.

The name Amitabha means “Infinite Light,” and his image is often depicted with a halo of radiant light surrounding his head. He is also commonly depicted holding a vase, representing the nectar of immortality, and a lotus flower, symbolizing the purity of the Buddha’s teachings. Amitabha’s importance in Mahayana Buddhism is reflected in the fact that he is the focus of numerous sutras and texts, including the Amitabha Sutra and the Infinite Life Sutra. These texts describe the Pure Land in detail, including its geography, inhabitants, and the benefits of being reborn there.

In addition to his role as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, Amitabha is also regarded as a bodhisattva, a being who has chosen to postpone their own enlightenment in order to help others attain liberation from suffering. As such, he is often depicted surrounded by other bodhisattvas, including Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and Mahasthamaprapta, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

Overall, Amitabha Buddha is an important figure in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in the Pure Land tradition. His teachings and his Pure Land offer a path to liberation and enlightenment for those who seek it.

References

  • https://www.britannica.com/topic/Avalokiteshvara
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Buddha Life

The Life of Buddha thangka paintings portray the most significant occurrences in Siddhartha’s life, identified as the “Twelve Great Deeds of the Buddha’s Life.” These works of art aren’t only depictions of the historical Buddha’s most important events; they’re also a visible representation of various conceptual components of Buddhism, especially the path to spiritual enlightenment. The Thangka Paintings of the Life of Buddha are more than just depictions of the major events in the historical Siddhartha’s journey to spiritual enlightenment. This article delves into the twelve significant events of Siddhartha Gautama’s life, which are split into three main phases:

  • His ascension to earth, his birth, and therefore his early years as a prince.
  • His recognition of human misery and his search for a way to alleviate it.
  • The fulfillment of his search and his vow to spend the remainder of his life teaching others how to attain enlightenment for themselves.

The Buddha’s pledge to come to Earth

The universe and all aspects of existence, according to Buddhist cosmogony, are divided into six realms, as portrayed in another important thangka painting, the Wheel of Life. Prior to his birth as Shakyamuni, the Buddha was a bodhisattva in the Tushita heaven, the home of the satisfied gods. Buddha decides to manifest himself in this reality as a prime example of bodhisattva, inspired by compassion against the human realm, with the purpose of teaching the Dharma and saving manking from spiritual sorrow and suffering. The Buddha, accompanied by other divinities, makes his pledge while holding a golden bowl (in some cases a lotus flower) as a symbol of his intention’s purity. The Buddha, accompanied by other divinities, makes his pledge while holding a golden bowl (in some cases a lotus flower) as a symbol of his intention’s purity. As a result, Buddha, seeing the suffering of sentient beings, resolved to descend to the earth and spread the Dharma, in accordance with his bodhisattva status.

Focus part of Buddha Life Thangka

Mayadevi’s Dream & Birth of Buddha

The princess Maya Devi, who dreams a white elephant, represents Buddha’s ascension into our realm. Maya Devi had a dream that she was being transported to a lake in the Himalaya by four devas (spirits), according to tradition. There, she was attacked by a white elephant, who used his tusks to rip the right side of her stomach apart. Finally, the elephant vanished, and the queen awoke, knowing she had received a crucial message, as the elephant is a Nepalese symbol of greatness. The elephant is also a symbol of power and intellect, and his hue is linked to the gray clouds that carry the rain that nourishes the soil. So, in this analogy, the white elephant. After ten months of pregnancy Maya Devi went to her father’s kingdom and deliver the baby with the assistance of her mother. However, on the way to her childhood home, she decides to stop in a beautiful garden in Lumbini and take a rest underneath a blossoming Sala tree.

According to legend, Buddha was born from her mother’s right side while she stood holding a tree branch. Maya Devi’s unusual stance had an impact on feminine iconography throughout Asia. Traditional dance choreographers have adopted the sinuous motion, which has inspired multiple generations of artists. The event is also depicted with the Hindu gods Indra and Brahma present at the time of birth. Buddha was able to walk almost immediately. In fact, he made seven steps forward, each one accompanied by the appearance of a lotus flower on the ground. Siddhartha Gautama was his name. Siddhartha signifies “the One who achieves his purpose” in Sanskrit. Maya Devi, the princess, died seven days later.

Maya Devi dreaming of elephant and birth of Buddha

Buddha’s infancy and early years in the world

Little is known about prince Siddhartha’s early years. Siddhartha lived a luxurious and secluded existence since his father had been warned that the kid would abandon his palace and royal destiny to pursue a spiritual path. He had the best education possible and mastered all the lessons he was taught. In his younger years, he excelled in sports, particularly horseback riding and archery. He had a reputation for being both physically and sexually beautiful. Prince Siddhartha became a true man of the world when he reached adulthood and accepted royal duties, with a retinue of several queens and attendant ladies. We’ll look at the event that inspired Siddhartha to begin his ascetic life and his search for a solution to human.

Prince Siddhartha in Palace

The Four Confront

Buddha’s father tried to protect his son from the harsh realities of life after being warned by court astrologers that he might give it all up and adopt the road of meditation. This situation persisted until Siddhartha decided to depart the palace with a chariot driven by one of his slaves. The prince encounters an old guy, a sick man, and a dead man on his voyage, causing immense mental turmoil. He also encounters an ascetic monk, and after questioning him, Gautama chooses to adopt his example, believing that this will help him to calm down. Siddhartha departs the palace, having made his decision, to continue his search for the Life’s truth, sorrow, and genuine happiness.

Siddhartha encounters various human beings

Siddhartha departs from the palace and begins his austere journey

Gautama allegedly left his father’s magnificent mansion in the middle of the night, leaving behind his sleeping wife and son, according to mythology. Siddhartha cut his long and magnificent hair the first thing he did after leaving his home. In the thangka artwork, this story is depicted as a symbol of Buddha’s unwavering commitment. The little prince, dressed as a beggar, walks from place to place with his begging bowl. Siddhartha meets various masters during this time and learns how to meditate. Despite everything he had learned, he realized that he was still vulnerable to old age, sickness, and death, and that his search was not yet complete.

Siddhartha leaves his luxurious life

The six years of austerity

Buddha came to a nice hermitage by a gorgeous stream in his journey for enlightenment, where he joined five mendicants who practiced a discipline based on extreme fasting. According to folklore, he ate a single grain of rice for the first two years, drank a single drop of water for the next two, and took nothing at all for the final two years. He did these exercises for six years, getting so slender that he could practically feel his spine when he touched his stomach. The thangka depicts Buddha meditating in the lotus position under a tree, his body gravely afflicted by the experience. Gautama did not obtain insight or the answer despite his enormous anguish and suffering. He intends to return to begging for food in order to strengthen his body.

Meditation in search of enlightenment and interacting with human beings

Endeavor for enlightenment

Gautama traveled to Gaya in search of a good location to sit and meditate. He sat on the east side of a banyan tree. There, he met Sujata, a native girl who offered him a bowl of rice. It was the first food he’d consumed in years, and it quickly brought his body back to life. Sujata was delighted and thrilled when the holy man accepted her meal, so she started dancing joyfully and reappeared with further offerings in the company of her servant, as depicted in the artwork. Gautama, abandoning himself to meditation, pledged that he would not leave that position until he had achieved full enlightenment.

All veils of conflicting sentiments and stiff concepts vanished now of full realization, and Buddha experienced the all-encompassing here and now. All distinctions in time and place vanished. Past, present, and future, both close and far, merged into a luminous state of intuitive happiness. He morphed into eternal, all-pervading consciousness. He knew and was everything through every cell in his body. He attained the title of Buddha, the Awakened One. Buddha walked across northern India after attaining enlightenment. For forty-five years, he never stopped teaching. From rulers to courtesans, he drew people from all castes and professions. He responded to their questions by pointing to the goal. Buddha encouraged his learners to think his teachings and confirm them via personal experience throughout his life. Buddhism is still known for its non-dogmatic approach.

Illustration of Buddha life in thangka painting


Illustration of Buddha life in thangka painting


Illustration of Buddha life in thangka painting

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni is always present in all Buddha Life thangkas. In a scene from the legend of Mara’s attack, he is seen holding a beggar’s bowl in his left hand and calling the ground as a witness with his right hand.

A Buddha Life thangka’s features might change, and distinct scenes may not always be found in the same location. However, the underlying pattern remains consistent. Buddhism was founded by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. All authentic Buddhist teachings in the world today are based on his life story and teachings. We discover how and what we as Buddhist aspirants should practice, nurture, and strive for in our own spiritual journey via the deeds of his great life. His story is taught in every Buddhist institution on the planet. The Buddha’s life story is depicted here in a pictorial format. Viewing above images will leave deep impressions in your mind, allowing you to develop the same traits of compassion and wisdom that the Buddha demonstrated and taught during his lifetime, and eventually Buddhahood. May these heavenly images benefit you.

Videos on Buddha Life – Life of Buddha

References

  1. Buddha life thangka paintings
  2. Life of Buddha Thangka
  3. Life of Buddha

Thangka collections for purchase

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Medicine Buddha Thangka | Sangye Menla | Bhaishajyaguru

Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha

Medicine Buddha is fully enlightened being which means having ability to emanate different forms for the benefits of living beings. Medicine Buddha is the healing Buddha who is believed to heal physical, mental and emotional ailments. The healing mantra practice is effective when the person suffering is engaged in the process. It is even powerful when group practices together for their loved ones or who needs healing. He holds a bowl of Amrit- the nectar of immorality and his colour of skin is Lapis Lazuli Blue.He is able to cure sickness of birth and death. His body is like lapislazuli.He resides in the eastern world of purified lapislazuli. He is assisted by two bodhisattvas called suryaprabha and candraprabha to transform and teach living beings in that land. His right hand held a branch of the myrobalan in varadamudra gesture which signifies the medicine which heals all the sickness and his left hand is in the la holding a pindapatra (alms bowl) which symbolizes that he takes all the diseases and sickness of the suffering beings unto himself.

Medicine Buddha Mantra

Medicine Buddha Mantra is extremely powerful for healing of physical illnesses and purification of negative karma. For healing, the patient recites the long mantra 108 times over a glass of water. In this, the water is believed to be blessed by the power of the mantra and the blessing of the Medicine Buddha himself. The patient then drinks water and this process is repeated each day until cured.

Buddha Sutras Mantras Sanskrit

namo bhagavate bhaiṣajya-guru-vaiḍūrya-prabhā-rājāya | tathāgatāya-arhate samyak-saṁbuddhāya | tad-yathā oṁ bhaiṣajye bhaiṣajye bhaiṣajya-samudgate svāhā* ||

This mantra is based on the Sūtra of the Original Vows of Seven Medicine Buddhas (Chinese Canon, Text 451).

Medicine Buddha Thangka

Medicine Buddha Thangka is traditionally hand painted on cotton canvas using stone color. It is used for meditation and meditating in front of the Medicine Buddha thangka can help to relieve a physical and mental stress, improve healing powers, and help to overcome spiritual sickness, attachment, hatred and ignorance.

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Mandala

Mantra Mandala

Mandala is taken as sacred space and also as an abode of fully realized beings or deities. In the Buddhist and Hindu traditions sacred art often takes a mandalas form. The basic form of mandalas is square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Spiritual and ritual significance. A circle which is device for the Tantric meditation. Round mandala thangka painting is wonderful piece of art. A representation of the unconscious, self mandala enables one to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality. Mandala is regarded as a place separated and protected from the ever changing and impure outer world of samsara. A place of nirvana and peace.

Mandala literally means a circle which is a device for the Tantric meditation and meditative art. The figure deals with a visible aid that pulls within the human consciousness. That is the reason mandalas are so effective in meditation. Mantra Mandala is surrounded by Tibetan universal peace Mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”. Om Mane Padme hum means jewels in the lotus with different petals containing good luck, peace, power, and protection. Om Mani Padme Hum is the most well-known/chanted mantra in Buddhism with the power to bless the heart and the mind of the practitioner with the six syllables.

Table of Contents

Kalachakra Mandala

Kalachakra is a Sanskrit word which suggests wheels of time (Kalchakra Mandala). Kalachakra is one among of the tantric teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. The Kalachakra figure is the foremost famous thangka paintings that is treasured for the symbolic parts creating the visual illustration of vital teachings of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Various type of mistaken interpretations have circulated among folks that portray the Kalachakra pattern merely as a piece of art . The Kalachakra tantra is considered the foremost advanced follow of Vajrayana tradition.

The Kalachakra tradition oscillate around the notion of time and cycles. From the cycles of the planets, to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the phenomenon of working with the most subtle energies within ones body on the path to enlightenment.

Mantra Mandala

Do you want to know about Mandala?

Om is the sound or “vibration” of the universe. This sound is the most important of all in the context of chanting and mantras, it destroy attachments to ego and establish generosity.
Ma detach jealousy and establishes ethics.
Ni detach desire and establishes patience.
Pad detach prejudice and establishes perseverance.
Me detach possessiveness and establishes concentration.
Hum detach hatred and establishes wisdom.

It is a visual aid for concentration and introversive meditation leading to the attainment of insights and to activate forces culminating in “Siddhi” supernatural forces. The Mandala is the graphic representation of this process. It is not only theoretical but practical also as an operational scheme involving a clear plan for practical realization of the process within oneself. It thus becomes an instrument (Yantra). Mantra’s mandalas are words or phrases that are chanted out loud or internally as objects of meditation. Often these mantras square measure related to specific Buddhist figures whose qualities are often cultivated by the repetition of the relevant mantra. Mantras and Mandalas are two sides of one coin. Mantras are sacred texts and mandalas are sacred pictures.

There are many types and varieties of mandalas depending on the nature of the central deity. The most classic pattern of mandalas is of the Dhyani Buddha. This pattern appears in the oldest tantric. The mandala represents “palace of Purity” a magic sphere cleansed of spiritual obstacles and impurities. The square of the ‘sacred palace’ proper is enclosed in multiple circles of flame, vajar, eight cemeteries (appear only in wrathful deities) lotus, then the inner square to reach of the deity of the Mandala. Mandalas are a spiritual guidance tool for focusing attention, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the assumption is that by entering the mandala and proceeding towards its center, you are guided through the cosmic process of remodeling the universe from one of suffering into one among joy and happiness. A mandala may be a spiritual and ritual symbol in Asian cultures. It is often understood in two different ways: externally as a visible representation of the universe or internally as a guide for several practices that take place in many Asian traditions, including meditation.

Are you interested in history of Mandalas?

Siddhartha Gautama, the founding father of Buddhism, was born within the region now referred to as Nepal. Though there is no confirmed date of his birth, historians believe it to be around 560 B.C. It is understood that Gautama left his kingdom after becoming conscious of human suffering, where he sought to achieve enlightenment through meditation and thoughtful action. He began to evangelize his philosophy across parts of India, where he gained devout followers and eventually established the first sangha, Buddhist community of monks.
As these Buddhist monks travelled the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, they brought Buddhism to other lands. They carried mandalas with them and brought the practice of painting these spiritual compositions to other parts of Asia, appearing in regions like Tibet, China, and Japan by the 4th century. Though rooted in Buddhism, mandalas soon became present in Hinduism and other religious practices. Painters of the spiritual craft were often pious laymen, who were commissioned by a patron. They worked seated on the ground with a painting propped in their laps or ahead of their crossed legs.

Different types of Mandalas?

There are many types of mandalas found in different cultures and used for a multitude of purposes, both artistically and spiritually. Below are three main sorts of mandalas and how they are used.

Sand Mandala

Sand Mandala are used by Buddhist monks as a traditional and religious element. These intricate designs use a spread of symbols made up of colored sand that represent the impermanence of human life.

Teaching Mandala

Teaching mandalas are symbolic, and every shape, line, and color represent a special aspect of a philosophical or religious system. The student creates his or her own mandala based on principles of design and construction, projecting a visual symbolization of everything they have learned. Teaching mandalas functions colorful, mental maps for their creators

Healing Mandala

Healing mandalas are more intuitive than teaching mandalas, and that they are made for the aim of meditation. Healing mandalas are intended to deliver wisdom, evoke feelings of calm, and channel focus and concentration.

Do you want to know how Mandalas Are Used?

The traditional Tibetan mandala, found in Buddhism, depicts the enlightened state of Buddha through sand art. Patterns are formed on the bottom using metal and a little tube to precise the exact texture and organization of the grains. Mandalas are used for a spread of spiritual traditions, meditation, and modern contexts. It is destroyed to align with the Buddhist belief that nothing is permanent. Creating this can take weeks, and shortly after it’s complete.
As it relates to modern context, mandalas are utilized in a spread of the way. Often, mandalas are positioned round the studio and sometimes even drawn during meditation periods. Similarly, mandala art is employed in healing circles, a practice that derives from Native Americans. In yoga, mandalas represent an equivalent ancient ideal; signifying a sacred space to lock in external influences. The circles are often related to the restoration of the body, mind, and heart.
Mandalas have also been found in dream catchers to protect the individual sleeping. A popular item in Western cultures, you can easily identify the shape and patterns of a mandala within most dream catchers.
A spiritual symbol in Asian art, mandalas have since become a popular, meditative element for a variety of different cultures. In Hindu and Buddhist cultures in particular, mandalas and thangkas serve as a representation of the universe and a guide on the path to enlightenment. We have since seen the geometric design appear in yoga studios, dream catchers, healing circles, and other meditative practices. The habit of creating and collecting mandalas is a transformative practice that is intended to restore inner peace and wisdom within.

Cosmos Mandala

Cosmic mandalas are the sophisticated dance of the moon, sun, and other planets around Mount Meru. There are various thangka paintings that feature mount Meru (also called Sumeru) with different designs. It is depicted with geometric shapes that are symbols of the various metaphysical state of the mind consistent with traditional Lamaism. The mountain is observed from the sky and seems like a little point decorated with an om symbol within the center of the mandala.

Buddha Mandala

Round Mandala

Mandala is taken as sacred space and also as an abode of fully realized beings or deities. In Buddhist and Hindu traditions sacred art often takes a mandala form. The basic form of mandalas is square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Spiritual and ritual significance. A circle that is a device for Tantric meditation. Round mandala thanka painting is a wonderful piece of art. A representation of the unconscious, self mandala enables one to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality. Mandala is regarded as a place separated and protected from the ever-changing and impure outer world of samsara. A place of nirvana and peace.

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Tibetan Buddhism

buddha statue

Beginning in the 600s, Buddhism was brought to Tibet from India and China. Throughout the decades that followed, Buddhism became Tibet’s dominant cultural form, influencing not only religion but also politics, the arts, and other facets of life. Tibetan Buddhism subsequently extended to Mongolia and Nepal, as well as China, where it was supported by the imperial court, particularly during the Yuan (1260–1368) and Qing (1368–1644) regimes.

Tibetan Buddhism inherited many of late Indian Buddhism’s traditions, including a significant emphasis on monasticism (Tibet previously had the world’s largest Buddhist monasteries), a sophisticated scholastic philosophy, and elaborate forms of tantric practice. At the same time, Tibet continued its legacy of powerful popular cults, absorbing a wide range of indigenous deities into the Buddhist pantheon, which was already growing.

The tulku (incarnate lama) is a Tibetan Buddhist institution: Tibetan Buddhists believe that compassionate teachers are reborn many times, each time being identified as children and given the position and status of their previous rebirths. There have been numerous such lamas in Tibet, the most well-known of whom being the Dalai Lama. The Fifth Dalai Lama became king of Tibet in 1642, and the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, the country’s capital, was completed during his reign.

Tibet was conquered by China in 1951, and the current Dalai Lama (Fourteenth) went into exile in India in 1959, kicking off the Tibetan diaspora. Tibetan Buddhism has caught the interest of people all over the world ever since time.

Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism, as practiced in Tibet, offers a wide range of unique practices, meditations, and ceremonies to achieve the aims of growing compassion and achieving ultimate liberation for all living beings. Vajrayana is based on Buddha Shakyamuni’s esoteric ideas, which were entrusted to a restricted group of students. It combines yogic techniques including meditation, mantra, and ritual to help people change their minds and bodies. To understand and engage in these procedures, as well as to employ holy objects such as the vajra and ghanta (bell), sacred images (such as those in the museum collection), and hand and body movements (mudra), initiates and empowerments are required.

There are four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. All may be traced back to Buddha Shakyamuni through an unbroken tradition of enlightened teachers and students that continues to this day. Lineage distinguishes them far more than any significant distinction in theory or practice. Gelukpa, Sakyapa, Nyingmapa, and Kagyupa are the four lineages.

Tibetan Buddhism extended to the West in the second half of the twentieth century, especially after the Chinese Communists subjugated Tibet, forcing many Tibetans, including highly esteemed “reincarnated lamas,” or tulkus, to flee their homeland. Tibetan religious communities in the West include both refugee communities and groups made up primarily of Westerners sympathetic to the Tibetan heritage.

Tibetan Buddhism is a religion in exile, having been driven from its country when China seized Tibet. It was formerly considered that one out of every six Tibetan men was a Buddhist monk. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing Chinese rule of Tibet in 1959, is the most well-known face of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism mixes Mahayana Buddhism’s core teachings with Tantric and Shamanic practices, as well as elements from an old Tibetan religion known as Bon. Although Tibetan Buddhism is frequently confused with Vajrayana Buddhism, the two are not synonymous; Vajrayana is taught alongside the other vehicles in Tibetan Buddhism.

History

By the end of the eighth century CE, Buddhism had established itself as a prominent force in Tibet. It was brought to Tibet on the invitation of Trisong Detsen, the Tibetan king, who invited two Buddhist masters to Tibet and had key Buddhist books translated into Tibetan.Shantarakshita, the abbot of Nalanda in India, was the first to arrive and build the first monastery in Tibet. Padmasambhava accompanied him, bringing his wisdom and might to bear on the “spiritual” forces that were halting construction on the new monastery.

Buddhism had established itself as a prominent force in Tibet by end of the eighth century. It was brought to Tibet at the invitation of Trisong Detsen, the Tibetan king, who invited two Buddhist masters to Tibet and had key Buddhist books translated into Tibetan. Shantarakshita, the abbot of Nalanda in India, was the first to arrive and build the first monastery in Tibet. Padmasambhava accompanied him, bringing his wisdom and might to bear on the “spiritual” forces that were halting construction on the new monastery.

Special features of Tibetan Buddhism

  • the status of the teacher or “Lama”
  • preoccupation with the relationship between life and death
  • important role of rituals and initiations
  • rich visual symbolism
  • elements of earlier Tibetan faiths
  • mantras and meditation practice

Tibetan Buddhism’s distinctive qualities include:

  • the teacher’s or “Lama’s” rank
  • obsession with the relationship between life and death
  • the importance of ceremonies and initiations
  • rich visual symbolism
  • aspects of earlier Tibetan faiths
  • mantras and meditation practice

Rituals and spiritual practices such as the use of mantras and yogic methods are common in Tibetan Buddhist practice. Tibetan Buddhism places a strong emphasis on supernatural entities. There are many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and gods and spirits from ancient Tibetan religions are also revered. Both benevolent godlike creatures and wrathful deities are depicted as Bodhisattvas. Tibetan Buddhism has developed a rich visual legacy as a result of this philosophical background, and paintings and other images are employed as aids to understanding at all levels of society. Tibetan Buddhism makes extensive use of visual aids to comprehension: pictures, constructions of various kinds, and public prayer wheels and flags serve as constant reminders of the spiritual domain in the physical world. Tibetan Buddhism has a considerable following in both monastic and lay communities.

The lay version places a significant focus on overtly religious acts rather than the inner spiritual life: temple rituals are common, pilgrimages are popular – frequently including multiple prostrations – and prayers are repeated repeatedly using personal or public prayer wheels and flags. Funerals are very important occasions, and there are many festivals. The lay people sustain the monasteries physically while relying on the monks to organize the rites.

The ideas of life, death, reincarnation, and existence in Tibetan Buddhism are profound and rational. Most of these ideas come from Buddhism’s rich meditation and contemplative culture. A piece of previous knowledge, as well as an open mind, are required to fully appreciate the elements of Tibetan Buddhism.

Video Documentary

  1. Tibetan Buddhism
  2. Top Five Major Beliefs in Tibetan Buddhism
  3. Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
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Basundhara | Vasudhara

basundhara

Vasudhara (Basundhara) name means “stream of gems” in Sanskrit. It means Buddhist bodhisattva of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Vasudhara (Basundhara), goddess of abundance is the consort of Kuber (Jambala), the god of wealth. She is popular in many Buddhist countries and is a subject in Buddhist legends and art. Originally an Indian bodhisattva, her popularity has spread to southern Buddhist countries.

She has a high popularity in Nepal. She is a central figure in Newar Buddhism and has a strong follower among the Buddhist Newars of the Kathmandu Valley .In Lahul and Spiti, she is named Shiskar Apa. She is related to Hindu great goddess Lakshmi, and her Sanskrit name Vasundhara indicates she is the source of the eight “bountiful Vasus.” Consistent with the epic Mahabharat, she is the bounty that is the waters of the river Ganges—the goddess, Ganga which origin from the snows of the Himalayas. Similar to Green Tara posture, she is represented sitting on a lotus pedestal. She has six arms which she holds within the lower left hand her characteristic symbol, the treasure vase. The above hands holds another distinguishing attribute, the ears of corn (Tib. ‘Brui sne ma). The third left hand holds a book, the Prajnaparamita sutra.

The lower right hand is in the varada mudra of charity; the one above holds three precious wish-fulfilling jewels, while the upper hand makes a mudra of salutation. The right leg is pendent, and the foot is unsupported resting upon a vase. She has three faces Brown in right, reddish in left and yellow in the center. Sincere worshipping of the Goddess Basundhara will reward one with wealth, good fortune and wisdom.

Power of Vasundhara Thangka Painting

Vasundhara is one of the important and popular feminine deities in Nepalese Buddhist society. Keeping the Vasundhara Thangka in a home is to honor this deity. She is believed to be the bestowed of wealth and prosperity similar to Laxmi Devi in Hinduism. It is said that if you’ve got thangka of this devotee in your office or home you’ll accumulate seven sorts of prosperity i.e. wealth, quality, offspring, long life, happiness, praise, and wisdom.

Mantra of Vasundhara

Her short mantra is Om Vasudhare svaha.

  1. Wikipedia
  2. Wisdom Library
  3. Himalayan Art
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Wheel of Life | Bhavacakra

Riduk - wheel of life

Wheel of life is known as Bhavachakra in Sanskrit language. Wheel of life represents the very reasons for the suffering of our mortal form, through both horrific and sublime imagery and it can be seen painted on the walls of many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in all Himalayan regions. Wheel of Life (Riduk) is the traditional representation of the samsaric cycle of existence. It is a complex symbolic representation of samsara in the form of a circle, found primarily in Tibetan Buddhist art. Samsara is the continuous cycle of birth, life, and death from which one liberates oneself through enlightenment. Other Names of Wheel Of life can be seen as Wheel of Bhavacakra, Wheel of existence, Wheel of becoming, Wheel of rebirth, Wheel of samsara, Wheel of suffering, Wheel of transformation.

Essentially it is a metaphysical diagram made up of four concentric circles, held with a firm grip by Yama, the Lord of Death. Above the wheel the sky with clouds or stars is symbol of freedom from cyclic existence or Samsara, and the Buddha pointing at it indicates that liberation is possible. In the center of the wheel there are three animals’ symbols of the “Three Poisons”: ignorance (the pig), attachment (the bird) and anger (the snake). The snake and bird are shown as coming out of the mouth of the pig, indicating that anger and attachment arise from ignorance. At the same time the snake and the bird grasp the tail of the pig, indicating that they both promote even greater ignorance. Next to the central circle is the second layer divided in two-half circles, one light colored while the other is usually dark. These images represent the wheel of Karma, the law of cause and effect. The darker portion shows individuals experiencing the results of negative actions. The light half circle, instead, indicates people experiencing the results of positive actions and attaining spiritual ascension.

The Wheel of Life is pictured as being command by the jaws, hands, and feet of a fearsome figure who turns the wheel. This intricate design is believed to have been drawn first by Buddha himself.  It portrays the endless life circle of human beings.  The exact identity of the figure varies. A common selection for the figure is Yama, the god of death or Kala the lord of time. This figure is additionally referred to as the “Face of Glory” or Kirtimukha. The outer rim of the wheel is divided into twelve sections and given such names as the Twelve Interdependent Causes and Effects or the Twelve Links of causality.

The six main segments of the wheel depict the six worlds of existence.  In the upper half are the relatively happier realms of the gods (in the center), the asuras or demigods and human beings.  In the lower half are the more wretched realms of the animals, the hungry ghosts and souls tortured in hell.  The in the outer rim of the wheel, twelve scenes depict the chain of cause and effect. 

Moving out from the center is a narrow circle.  The light half shows figures rising to higher levels of existence.  The dark half shows figures descending to lower levels.  The six main segments of the wheel depict the six worlds of existence.  In the upper half are the relatively happier realms of the gods (in the center), the asuras or demigods and human beings.  In the lower half are the more wretched realms of the animals, the hungry ghosts and souls tortured in hell.  The in the outer rim of the wheel, twelve scenes depict the chain of cause and effect. 

  1. A blind woman: ignorance
  2. A potter: deeds forming karma
  3. The monkey: restless consciousness
  4. Two men in a boat: mind and form
  5. A fully constructed house: the six senses
  6. A pair of lovers: contact
  7. An arrow piercing the eye of a man: feeling
  8. Serving drink: craving
  9. A man gathering fruits: over attachment
  10. A pregnant lady: a new process of becoming
  11. A new woman giving birth: rebirth in a new existence
  12. A man carrying a corpse on his back: death

Life’s impermanence is shown by having the entire Wheel of Life, including the gods, held in Yama’s claws. 

Wheel of Life Thangka

Wheel of Life Thangka is traditionally hand painted on cotton canvas using stone color.