Buddhist Deities Complete Illustration. Miscellaneous Mandala

Author: Li Hongxue
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-10-01
Features: The term "Mandala" is the transliteration of the Sanskrit word, with other transliterations including "Mandala," "Mantara," "Mandala," "Manna," and "Manta." The translation has two versions: the old translation means "altar" or "temple"; the new translation means "complete circle" or "collection." In Tibetan, it is called "Jikhor." Early mandalas were circular or square earthen platforms built by Vajrayana practitioners in ancient India to prevent the intrusion of demons during their practices. Kings' coronations or monks' tonsure ceremonies were held on these platforms, with the presence of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as witnesses, and their images were drawn on the platforms. The "Essentials of Esoteric Buddhism" states: "An altar is built by piling up earth on top, meticulously preparing its surface, and covering it with cow dung to make it firm. On this altar, sacred religious ceremonies are performed, especially when a preceptor gives ordination to disciples or when a king ascends the throne. During such sacred ceremonies, it is customary to invite the saints of all times and places as witnesses. Images of the saints of all times and places are painted, or their held objects are used to signify their dignity. Alternatively, the seeds of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are used to express reverence." Since these altars were often destroyed afterward, later, a designated circular or square area was called a mandala, believed to be filled with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, hence also known as "collection" or "complete circle." In the Vinaya, mandalas were also used in various contexts to avoid impurities. According to the "Commentary on the Great Sun Sutra," Volume 4, in terms of the meaning of "complete circle," the deities surround the Great Sun Buddha of Universal Gateway like wheels, assisting the Great Sun Buddha to lead sentient beings into Universal Gateway; in terms of "generation," it nurtures the seeds of Buddhas, giving rise to the King of the Buddha Tree (Buddha's fruit). Additionally, the Sanskrit word "Mandala" means refined milk transformed into butter, so a mandala symbolizes the pure and harmonious essence of the Buddha's fruit, with an incomparably superior and unmatched taste. However, later Vajrayana Buddhism considered the mandala primarily to mean "collection," that is, the dwelling place of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and saints.