The Wheel of Time Sand Mandala; Visual Scripture of Tibetan Buddhism

This text captures the painstakingly meticulous execution of the precise and delicate sifting of coloured sands into the intricate patterns and symbols that make up the mandala. The process of making the mandala is itself a meditation, as it imparts peace and healing to all beings and to the planet. As a visual text, it is a key to the essential teachings of Tibetan Buddhism with representations of, among other things, 722 deities with the Buddha sitting on a lotus in the centre. The photographs and text also convey the serenity, humour and spirituality of the monks who made the mandala.

This book, which has a foreword by the XIV Dalai Lama, reveals details of one of the most important expressions of Tibetan, or Vajrayana, Buddhism--the Kalachakra sand mandala, or Wheel of Time, brought to the United States by Tibetan monks. Bryant, the artistic director of the Samaya Foundation, describes this mandala as a work of art; he gives an explanation of its origins, development, and place in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and a step-by-step description of its use in religious initiation. He also reveals that the Dalai Lama shared this mandala with the world as a contribution to world peace. Essential for academic and museum libraries; recommended for seminary and public libraries.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.