Significance of Mandala
Synonyms: Circle, Wheel, Diagram, Pattern, Design, Geometric figure, Spiritual symbol
In Dutch: Mandala; In German: Mandala; In Finnish: Mandala; In Spanish: Mandala; In Swedish: Mandala; In Malay: Mandala; In French: Mandala; In Portugese: Mandala; In Italian: Mandala; In Polish: Mandala
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mandala'
In Buddhism, Mandala symbolizes the universe, serving as a meditative and spiritual tool that illustrates deities, cosmic relationships, and interconnectedness, fostering understanding and aiding practitioners on their path to enlightenment.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) This refers to the bde mchog nam mkha’ dang mnyam pa, where an extraordinary faith was produced in the subject. During his initiation, he did not differentiate between the Teacher and the principal deity, demonstrating a deep level of faith.[1] (2) A symbolic representation of the universe used in Tantric practices, often serving as a focal point for meditation and rituals.[2] (3) A spiritual symbol used in meditation, which stag lung thang pa offered to ‘gro mgon as a sign of devotion.[3] (4) A ritual geometric figure that represents the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, central to the rites lha rje rgya nag performed.[4] (5) Symbolic geometric designs that represent the universe in Hindu and Buddhist spiritual traditions, used in meditation and rituals.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) Symbolic representations of the universe often used in meditation to visualize the interconnectedness of all things.[6] (2) A symbolic diagram used as a platform for rituals in Yoga practices, often created for specific deities or Buddhas.[7] (3) A sacred geometric representation symbolizing the universe in meditation practices, formed through visualization of deities.[8] (4) A ritual symbol that represents the universe and serves as an offering in Tantric practices.[9]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The mandala discussed is about the inhabitants and deities residing within a palace, seated on thrones adorned with lions.[10] (2) The great square arrangement of the mandala is taught as sambhogakaya in yoga tantra, but there is no union with it.[11] (3) A symbolic representation believed to reflect the universe, often used in meditation to signify unity and wholeness.[12] (4) A symbolic representation of the cosmos used in meditation and ritual, often associated with the path to enlightenment.[13] (5) A symbolic representation of the universe in Buddhism, indicating the inner spiritual journey towards enlightenment.[14]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Originally, ritual spaces marked on the ground, later transformed into images of deities and objects of visualization, playing a central role in Esoteric Buddhist practices, including the Buddhoshnisha Vijaya ritual.[15]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A symbolic geometric design used in meditation and spiritual practices within Buddhism, often representing the universe.[16] (2) A ceremonial dish used in rituals, featuring representations of spiritual worlds, often included in altars.[17] (3) A symbolic representation of the cosmic order in Buddhism, illustrating the relationships between various spiritual entities.[18]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) A structured representation of cosmological elements forming the basis of spatial relationships in various realms.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Mandala'
In Hinduism, Mandala serves various roles, including a sacred geometric design symbolizing the universe, a structured section of the Vedic texts, and a focal point in meditation and ritual practices, embodying spiritual and cosmic significance.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Meditative symbols representing the sun, moon, and fire, which are thought of in sequence during the ritual.[20] (2) A spiritual symbol used in meditation and worship, usually designed with specific geometric patterns.[21]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) These can be taken under the heading of pigmentation according to modern view.[22] (2) This term refers to a circular or patterned area, and is an important sign in the disease Vyanga, and it is described as Niruja, Tanu, Shyava Varnayukta on Mukhapradesha.[23] (3) Mandala is a term used in the text, which is one of the symptoms, that was reduced during the treatment of patients and improved their quality of life.[24] (4) This refers to the circular elevation of skin, which is a symptom associated with the conditions being discussed.[25] (5) Mandala is a section of the Rigveda, and the Veda begins with an address to Agni, Indra, Soma, and other gods, and Mantras are described in them.[26]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Sense of intoxication after meal, indigestion, aversion to food, circular-patches like this and urticarial rashes on the skin (Kotha) are caused by dushi visha.[27] (2) This is one of the MahaKushtha.[28] (3) One of the roopa of Dushivisha is Mandala which means patches after taking food.[29] (4) A classical sign and symptom of Dadru Kushtha, it is a skin lesion.[30]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This word refers to a circle or realm, as used in conjunction with Vraja within the provided context.[31] (2) This word represents a circle, specifically in the context of describing the full moon's appearance.[32] (3) This describes a circle, representing a group or area, in this case associated with the gopas.[33] (4) Means circle, a shape that may represent the form or arrangement in which the elements are arranged within the structure.[34]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Geometric configurations used in worship, specifically drawing patterns like padmas and sarvatobhadras in temples.[35] (2) A term meaning 'surrounding area,' 'camp,' 'hermitage,' 'estate,' or 'one’s own land,' explaining the context of the location being discussed.[36]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Animal rings found in the pith of trees, used as criteria during the oak selection process.[37] (2) A term used to denote any closed polygon, significant in the Vastu-Purusha-mandala concept, particularly in reflecting cyclic time.[38]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Technicalities observed during cutting operations, indicating the presence of animals and insects beneath trees.[39]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) One of the Upanishads, mentioned in a list of 108 Upanishads.[40] (2) Symbolic representation, often referred to as a wheel or a cave, related to spiritual practices.[41]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Contextually relates to the conceptual space within which Brahman, the Self, and the teachings operate.[42]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) The text describes the creation of three Mandalas with cow-dung, assigning them to Brahman, Shankara (Shiva), and Vishnu, indicating their importance in rituals.[43] (2) The combination of three or four Khandas, representing a comprehensive grouping of movements.[44]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A collection or group of verses in the Rigveda, central to the ritualistic practices and expiation processes.[45]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) A term used to describe a book or section of the Vedic texts, particularly in the context of the Rig-veda.[46]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The sacred circle used in rituals for meditation and worship, often representing the universe.[47] (2) A spiritual circle created for performing rituals and worship, representing the cosmos.[48]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The geometric representation of a spiritual concept, which in this context, is characterized by the corners of the triangle marked by the letters Ha, La, and Ksha.[49]
Jain concept of 'Mandala'
In Jainism, "Mandala" signifies a masculine noun for "dog," reflecting domestication, and also represents the divisions linked to the sun in cosmology, illustrating its positional significance and movement within the spiritual framework.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The divisions or zones associated with the sun in Jain cosmology, indicating its position and movement.[50]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A masculine noun meaning dog; signifies animal domestication.[51]
The concept of Mandala in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Mandala" encompasses various concepts, including a ritualistic element in meditation, an ancient Indian political framework, medicinal arrangements, and geometric designs, highlighting its multifaceted roles in cultural, spiritual, and administrative contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A pattern or form of dance movement used in fight scenes as part of the choreography.[52] (2) The ancient Indian conceptualization of a circle of states, which includes various relationships, particularly as described by Kautilya.[53] (3) The ancient Indian concept of inter-state relationships represented as concentric circles of states, aiming at maintaining a balance of power.[54]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The mandala is where the mixture is placed in skull-cups, serving as a central element in the ritual and visualization practices being performed.[55] (2) The mandala is revealed to Matön Shérap Senggé, showing medicinal vessels, their layout, and the spell cord, and it is arranged based on the elements, with their respective properties and medicines in each cardinal point.[56]
The concept of Mandala in scientific sources
Mandala pertains to skin lesions characterized by circular or patchy discolorations, significant in diagnosing various skin conditions like Dadru and Ekakushta, and reflects observations made in traditional medical assessments, particularly in Ayurveda.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The mandala represents not just a template for ritualized use but also an actual plan for temple building, according to Sthaneshwar Timalsina, indicating its significance beyond symbolic representation.[57] (2) This was painted by Lama Dorje and presented to Penor Rinpoche, who checked its accuracy, approved it, and allowed Lama Dorje to keep it.[58] (3) This should be destroyed and disposed of once its purpose is fulfilled, highlighting the disposable nature of wedges used.[59] (4) Less talented practitioners, enhanced by this, can attain Buddhahood through meditation and confession rituals.[60]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Influenced by the space concept of Southern Buddhism, Dai people deduce the cognitive figure with “square”, because Mandala's planar schema contains square and circle.[61]