I created this “holiday blessings mandala meditation 2018” several years ago for all my readers. Each holiday season I make it available again for downloading.
To Download: right-click on the link below the video and select “Save Target As…” or “Save File As…” or “Save this Link as..” (depending on what browser you use). Mac users with a 1 button mouse can control-click rather than right-click. The video is in mp4 format.
Today I have brought you Sand mandala: Tibetan Buddhist ritual by Wellcome Collection. I’m sure you have all seen the Tibetan Buddhist sand paintings in photos on or off the web. This video will give you a short introduction to the “why’s and how’s” of these mandalas.
Here is what Wellcome Collection has to say about the video:’
“Mandalas are of profound symbolic value in Tantric Buddhism and are regarded by some as sacred. They can take a variety of forms: from simple diagrams and elaborate paintings on cloth, to complicated patterns of coloured sand and large three dimensional carved structures.
Sand Mandalas represent the universe and act as an architectural blueprint of the enlightened mind. They can also function as a contemplative aid in visualisation meditation.
Mandalas often refer to secret Tantric doctrine and highlight the ideals of the Buddhist path which includes putting an end to suffering, attaining enlightenment and understanding reality through the Wisdom of Emptiness.
At the heart of this medicine mandala is a lotus throne and on it is a sacred medical text. Seated within the petals of a lotus flower are the Eight Medicine Buddhas, who came into the world to save sentient beings from the five degenerations: shortened life-span, delusions, degenerate persons, time and wrong views. In the outer sections the disciples of the Medicine Buddhas are represented by symbols.
A rare opportunity to observe the creation and offering of a “Mela” or Medicine Mandala, made from tiny grains of vibrantly coloured sand, with Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in India. Sand Mandalas are unique to Tibetan Buddhism, representing an architectural blueprint of the enlightened mind, functioning – among other things – as a contemplative aid in visualisation meditation.”
Enjoy!
Sand mandala: Tibetan Buddhist ritual by Wellcome Collection
Wellcome Collection is a unique mix of galleries and events, the world-famous Wellcome Library, a café, bookshop and conference centre.
Here are some suggestions that they have about coloring: “Coloring allows to unlock your creative potential. Perhaps more important, it helps relieve tension and anxiety. It unlocks memories of childhood and simpler times. As psychologist Antoni Martínez explains: “I recommend it as a relaxation technique. We can use it to enter a more creative, freer state. I recommend it in a quiet environment, even with chill music. Let the color and the lines flow.””
