THE SECRET POWER OF SANSKRIT MANTRA
Part 5
I’d like to introduce you to one last way to harness the power of mantra: that is to meditate on a mandala. A mandala - मण्डल - is like the visual expression of a mantra.
A mandala is a subtle yet powerful tool to help us on our journey of transformation, towards self-understanding and a purposeful life.
It is a sacred, symbolic art form that is particularly important in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The world “mandala” is a Sanskrit word for “sacred circular container”. It is a circular configuration of geometric forms, mantras and images that take you on a journey inwards towards to centre. It's a visualization tool that can be used to direct your mind from the outside of the circle (outer experience) toward the centre (self).
For centuries, mandalas have been used to create order and balance out of chaos and disruption, and as a way to connect with the sacred and higher purpose of life. There is ancient symbolic power in mandalas, and they still have power to help us stay grounded and calm in the midst of our own chaos. And to connect with our inner wisdom.
I brought back a few carefully selected mandalas- called thangka paintings - from my trip to the Himalayas. Meeting the artist, Tashi Gurung, was one of the most interesting things I did on that epic adventure.
I met Tashi, a talented thangka painter, when I traveled to the mythical walled city of Lo Manthang, capital of Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is in a remote corner of Nepal on the Tibetan border, a pocket in the Himalayan range accessed by the narrow and treacherous Kali Gandaki valley carving its way between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, two of the highest mountains in the world. In the past, Upper Mustang was known as the “forbidden kingdom of Loh”. Closed to all the world until 1992, this unique place is still only open to 5000 visitors a year. And it is a true adventure to get there.
Tashi is a native of Lo Manthang. He trained for many years with a thangka master painter in Kathmandu. He is also part of a UNESCO team of international artists working to restore and preserve the sacred frescoes on the walls of ancient monasteries in Upper Mustang, some of them over 700 years old. We were very privileged to have Tashi guide us around a local monasteries to explain the ancient frescoes, the symbolism as well as the painting and restoration techniques.
And I spent a few hours in his small gallery pouring over his thangka paintings to choose just a few to bring home for the HUM collections.
Thangka painting is an ancient art form of Tibetan Buddhist painting. Mandalas, deities and Buddhist teachings are painted on fabric scrolls. These paintings are believe to carry divine energy. And they are tools for meditation and contemplative practice.
Thankgka painting starts with plain, natural cotton canvas that is stretched tightly onto a wooden frame. The canvas is coated on both sides with a mixture of clay. Once it is dry, then the canvas is polished using smooth stones and soft wood to create a fine paper-like surface. The design is drawn on the finished canvas in pencil, then painted using natural pigments, even gold and silver, mixed with clay and water. No chemicals at all, just natural materials.
Some mandalas are visual expressions of OM MANI PADME HUM, the mantra of compassion and love in 6 Sanskrit letters repeated over and over. Others are kalachakra mandalas with intricately detailed geometric patterns and symbols. Translated as the “wheel of time”, the kalachakra mandala represents cosmic order, the cyclical nature of time and space, symbolizing the path to harmony and enlightenment.
All of these mandalas are powerful tools for meditation and ritual, and one-of-a-kind pieces of art for your sanctuary.
To me, they are very special. For their symbolic and sacred power, for their unique beauty and for the experience of travelling all the way to Upper Mustang to find them and to meet the artist.
I hope one of them will speak to you and will find a home in your own sacred space.
See here to learn more about mandalas and mandala meditation.
DISCOVER THE COMPLETE COLLECTION OF MANDALA PAINTINGS AT HUM
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