The Mystical Arts of Tibet

     On Wednesday, September 21 I chose to go to The Mystical Arts of Tibet: The Symbolism of the Sand Mandala for a diversity event. Different cultures are very intriguing and I love learning about them; therefore, I chose this one because I thought it would be interesting to learn about Tibetan culture. There were five monks who came from the Drepung Loseling Monastery. They came to Iowa State University and worked for four days to create a mandala sand painting in the lobby of the Memorial Union. The mandala is an important symbol in their culture and is why they had a whole presentation on it. The mandala is approximately five feet by five feet in size and is made up of many geometric shapes and spiritual symbols which all represent a specific element. In their culture the mandala represents the eleven levels/stages to enlightenment.
     The seminar started with an introduction to the five monks and then they presented a chant to the audience. During the chant there was one monk who would start it and then the others would follow. It was interesting to hear what their chants were like. They are in a low key range and are somewhat soothing. Once the chanting was done the lead monk went on to discuss they symbolism within each layer of the mandala. Since there are eleven layers to it I will only give a brief description of the important ones.
     Starting at the center is something that is called the crossed vajra and it resembles the four elements: fire, water, earth, and wind. The symbolism of the elements shows that the mandala comes from a strong, stable, and indestructible foundation. The next level is one similar to a flower. It consists of a middle with eight pedals or channels coming off of it. This level is to represent the five family Buddhas and it does so by having the lead Buddha represent the middle of the flower and the others surround it. The other four Buddhas represent north, south, east, and west and as for the remaining four pedals sitting in between the four family Buddhas were not explained.
     Another principle described was about the colors used within the mandala. There are five specific ones and they include: white, green, red, yellow, and blue. These colors signify the five family Buddhas' reflections on emotions such as ignorance, attachment, hatred/anger, and pride. Along with the five colors are the five walls which represent the five wisdoms.
     Lastly, there is four imaginables one reaches before enlightenment. They must go through joyfulness, compassion, love, and equality which are represented by four corners in the mandala. Once, someone has passed this point they enter the t-shape where negative energy is released and continue on to the three rings of the enlightenment path.
     Overall, the mandala is an important artifact in the Tibetan culture. It is all about re-consecrating the earth and its people. One finds happiness through enlightenment.