Here, the mandala is formed of a series of concentric circles. The outermost one is a ring of fire, rendered here stylistically with twisting tongues of flames. Fire in Tantrism means knowledge. Without knowledge (prajna) there is no possibility of arriving at supreme understanding. Here, it also suggests that believers who enter the mandala are purified, as it were, and at their passage through the purging fire, their ego and all their illusions will burn away.
Following it is a thin band of triangles marked with horizontal lines. This represents the stability of the earth.
Next is a wide circular region wherein float various sacred syllables and mantras, interspersed with Dharmachakras (Wheel of Dharma) in between.
Then there is the water element circle, containing the wave like ripples which symbolize the perpetual flux of the manifest world, and on which floats the actual mandala with its square palace and four gates opening in different directions, meaning that this sacred structure is open to all. The perfect square shape indicates that the absolute space of wisdom is without aberration. It also defines the architecture of the mandala as a four-sided palace or temple. A palace because it is the residence of the presiding deity of the mandala, a temple because it contains the essence of the Buddha.
Seated on a blooming lotus with well-defined petals is the patron deity of this mandala who is none other than Amitabha - the Buddha of infinite light. That the artist was well-acquainted with this aspect of Amitabha's iconography is evident in the luminosity he has granted to the deity's form, which seems to radiate out of the surrounding mass of gold, black and silver. The reddish tinge given to the circle of flames complements the central glowing figure of Amitabha, who in the process bathes the ignorant world with his infinite light of wisdom.
Click Here to View the Thangka Painting along with its Brocade
Of Related Interest:
The Boon of Knowledge and Wisdom
A True Picture of Wisdom and Intellect
Towards an Aesthetic of Wisdom
The Union of Wisdom and Art
The Path to Wisdom
Imaging Wisdom
Buddhist Wisdom: The Mystery of the Self
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