Mandala

Mandala (ancient sanskrit denotes "circle" or "completion") is a term of Hindu origin used to refer to various objects and it is also used in other Indian religions, such as Buddhism. In the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism, they have been developed into sandpainting. In practice, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the Universe from the human perspective.

In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. Its symbolic nature can help one "to access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises."

The mandala shows a way of bringing peace and harmony in our world, through genuine practices of the mind of Great Compassion, the Wisdom of Emptiness, and the meditations of Mandala with their respective deities. We can generate the respective qualities as mentioned and thereby bring about a positive change in our own world.

Just to glimpse the Mandala, however, will create a positive impression on the mind-stream of the observer, who for a moment is in touch with the profound potential for perfect Enlightenment, which exists within the mind of all beings. Every aspect of the constructed Mandala has deep meaning.

In the construction process of Tibetan's Mandala sandpainting, every grain of coloured sand is placed with care and precision. The work process is tedious and time-consuming. The product is a splendid and colourful visual art display. However, despite all the hard work put in to construct the Mandala, it will be erased in a few hand strokes, where the whole Mandala disintegrates into a mess of 'emptiness'. This is a way to show the impermanence of life. No matter how well you led your life achieving the best in luxuries, career achievements, and other possessions... A final moment will come and you alone must face the reality of 'emptiness' when the angel of death knocks on your doors.

Our knowledge in Buddhism s definitely building up each day just like every grain on the Mandala sandpainting, knowing very well that one day I will also face the 'emptiness' too. It may sound unbelievable, but how many people among their busy schedules or enjoying the luxuries would think of the unpredictables in life? Before that final moment, I hope to be ready for it and know where I m heading next.

I recalled vividly in one of my recent dreams, I felt consciously awake but alone in the Bodhisattva hall... concentrating on a dialogue with the Bodhisattva about the journey towards enlightenment. In the end, I made a firm commitment to embark on the journey and was given a name. It's amazing! =)

Ever since that dream, I have been regularly attending Buddhism classes and improving myself in accordance with the precepts and teachings. The classes are structured in an interactive way where the teachers follow a syllabus based on Buddhism sutras and also share their life experiences. Our class consists of people from different ages and from all walks of life. On this learning journey, we share our knowledge, experiences and help each other along the way.