02/08/2025
KEEPING THE TRADITIONS AND CEREMONIES OF TIBETAN CULTURE ALIVE: MYSTICAL ARTS OF TIBET – Drepung Loseling Monastery : - Native Media Network
Dear Friends:
I have spent the past 14 days imbedded with the Mystical Arts of Tibet Tour of Drepung Loseling Monastic University www.drepung.org and have received a new found respect for the teachings of the elders and indigenous cultures that have sustained their culture through education, prayer, ceremony and interaction with the community.
In spite of the colonial onslaught that has attempted to destroy both the Tibetan and Indigenous languages, Spiritual understanding, religious beliefs, ceremonies and Land holdings, both cultures have survived by listening to the wisdom of the Lamas and Elders.
The common belief of:
Respect for all things, Human, Animal, and Plant kingdoms,
Interdependence of all beings animate and in-animate for survival
Thanksgiving for the bounty of Mother Earth, Father Sky and Planetary resources
Awareness, Honesty, Humility, Hospitality, Happiness, Generosity, Wisdom, Courage, and Beauty
Are all part of what we all share and have in common as human beings.
Over the next several weeks I would like to share with you my experiences in traveling with the Monks.
First and foremost is the construction of a sand Mandala at a local Buddhist center Thubten Dhargey Ling.
MANDALA CONSTRUCTION FOR: THE CELESTIAL BUDDHA OF COMPASSION - AVALOTITASVERA
One of the most widespread mantras of Buddhist teachings is the formula Om Mani Pad Me Hum. This mantra is attributed to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and is said to represent the heart of Buddhist doctrine.
According to Buddhist scripture, sand mandalas transmit positive energies to the environment and to the people who view them. While constructing a mandala, Buddhist monks chant and meditate to invoke the divine energies of the deities residing within the mandala. The monks then ask for the deities' healing blessings.
Prayer ceremonies (pujas) are a powerful set of religious ceremonies made up of ritual, chanting, meditation, prayers and mantra performed for various purposes to assist an individual, family and community in their quest to deal with difficulties in their life and also to attain freedom from samsara and to attain the ultimate state of Buddhahood.
The Construction of a Sand Mandala Represents the manifestation of Compassion through an ancient ritual and art form that has remained unchanged, dating back to Nalanda University 1,000 years ago and maybe before.
(Time Lapse construction of Mandala)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7FWAAbo2gw&list=PLHMP6mwAqBqRE6hkK5YcGCJL6bNFOoY1X&index=2
The ceremony of constructing the Mandala by the Monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery located in India, https://www.drepung.org/monastery.cfm ) along with Chanting, Drums, Long Horns and colored sand evokes the spirit of Avalokiteshvara, the manifestation of compassion one of the pre-requisites for leading a happy life.
The sand mandala of Avalokiteśvara (Chenrezig in Tibetan), is the Buddhist deity of compassion an, intricate artwork created by monks using colored sand. It symbolizes a divine mansion, the residence of Avalokiteśvara and his retinue, and serves as a tool for meditation and spiritual transformation.
The mandala's creation, its visual elements, and its eventual destruction all hold deep symbolic meaning related to Buddhist teachings on impermanence, compassion, and the path to enlightenment.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Avalokiteśvara: Is the embodiment of compassion in Buddhism, often depicted with multiple arms symbolizing his ability to help many beings.
Sand Mandala:
• Symbolism:
The mandala is a visual representation of Avalokiteśvara's palace, a three-dimensional structure even when depicted on a flat surface.
• Creation:
Monks create the mandala over several days, using colored sand, with each detail imbued with symbolic meaning.
• Elements:
• Four Gates: Represent the four immeasurables: love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
• Vajra Fence: A protective barrier against negativity.
• Burning Flames: Symbolize the burning away of ignorance and delusion.
• Colors: Each color represents different attributes of the deities and Buddhist teachings.
• Directions:
East, South, West, North, Center
• In Avalokiteśvara mandalas, colors represent specific qualities and are linked to the Five Buddha Families and their associated wisdoms. Common colors and their meanings include: white for purification and pacifying, yellow for increasing positive qualities, red for power and control, blue for forceful actions, and green for healing and harmony. These colors are used in different quadrants of the mandala, often representing the floor plan of a palace, and also symbolize the transformation of human delusions into wisdom.
• The five Buddha families, also known as the Five Dhyani Buddhas, are a core concept in Vajrayana Buddhism, representing different aspects of enlightened wisdom and activity. These families are associated with specific directions, colors, mudras (hand gestures), and wisdoms.
The five families are: Vairochana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi.
• Here's a breakdown of each family:
Vairochana:. (Center)
Represents the Buddha family, often associated with the center of the mandala, the color white, and the wisdom of the Dharmadhatu (ultimate reality).
Akshobhya: (East)
Represents the Vajra (or indestructible) family, associated with the east, the color blue, and the wisdom of mirror-like clarity.
Ratnasambhava: (South)
Represents the Ratna (or jewel) family, associated with the south, the color yellow, and the wisdom of equanimity.
Amitabha: (West)
Represents the Padma (or lotus) family, associated with the west, the color red, and the wisdom of discriminating awareness.
Amoghasiddhi: (North)
Represents the Karma (or action) family, associated with the north, the color green, and the wisdom of all-accomplishing action.
These families are not separate deities but rather different facets of the one enlightened mind, and their representations are used as tools for meditation and spiritual development, according to Buddhist teachings. They are often depicted in mandalas, which are visual representations of the universe and the path to enlightenment.
DISSOLUTION CEREMONY
The dismantling of the mandala, called the Dissolution Ceremony, symbolizes the impermanence of all things.
The dissolution ceremony, of the Avalokiteshvara sand mandala is a ritual that symbolizes the impermanence of all things and the release of the mandala's healing power.
After days of creation, the mandala is swept away, typically with a knuckle being drawn through the sand to create a cross, then the sand is swept towards the center.
The sand is then gathered and dispersed, often into a flowing body of water, to spread the mandala's blessings.
Key aspects of the Dissolution Ceremony:
Symbolism:
The destruction of the mandala is a powerful reminder of the Buddhist concept of impermanence (anicca). It highlights that all things, even beautiful and carefully crafted creations, are subject to change and decay.
Ritual:
The ceremony involves specific actions, like the sweeping of the sand, and is accompanied by prayers and chanting.
Dispersal:
The sand is often placed in a flowing body of water, like a river or stream, to symbolize the spreading of blessings and healing to all living beings.
Healing Power:
The act of dispersing the sand is believed to share the positive energy and blessings accumulated during the mandala's creation dedicated to the world.
Purpose:
The mandala is a tool for meditation, visualization, and cultivating compassion and wisdom.
Ripple Effect:
The sand, once dispersed, is believed to carry the mandala's healing energy into the world.
In Essence: The Avalokiteśvara sand mandala is a powerful visual representation of Buddhist philosophy, guiding individuals towards inner peace and enlightenment through meditation, compassion, and an understanding of impermanence.
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, embodies the boundless love and kindness of all Buddhas. His presence within the mandala symbolizes the potential for all beings to cultivate these qualities and attain enlightenment.
The mandala itself represents the universe, and by visualizing Avalokiteshvara and his/ hers attributes within it.
Individuals can purify negativity and awaken their own compassionate being, the prerequisite for a Happy life.
“ COMPASION IS MY RELIGION” – H.H. Dalai Lama
OM MANI PADME HUM
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In the coming weeks I will be pleased post the Ceremonies, Blessings and Prayers that the Monks gave in Santa Fe to share their culture.
You may view videos of the entire visit on our affiliate site on YouTube “ Tibet Media Network “
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDfPnV8cz7Q&list=PLeCGU1ZSzuduNkVtA5bZMqY5EYx_YYzc4
Harmon Houghton
(Time Lapse construction of Mandala)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7FWAAbo2gw...
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Consecration of Avalokiteshvara Mandala- Thubten Norbu Ling – Santa Fe NM
(To View Mandala Completion Ceremonies, click on right Bar)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SeTguZFdEE&list=PLeCGU1ZSzudsa8P5H6bI07RLrsUFe6k4u&index=1
THE WONDERMENT OF MANDALA _ A 10,000 YEAR OLD CEREMONY AS FACINATING AND MEANINGFUL FOR TODAY-Tibet Media Network Mystical Arts Of Tibet Construction & Disso...
