Ganamandala, Gana-mandala, Gaṇamaṇḍala: 1 definition
Introduction:
Ganamandala means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: ÖAW: Tantric Communities in Context (tb)Gaṇamaṇḍala (गणमण्डल) is another name for Gaṇacakra—a “ritualised communal feast” as celebrated by followers of the Vajrayāna, i.e., Tantric Buddhist communities; according to Péter-Dániel Szántó in his Minor Vajrayāna texts V.—[...]—Note: The Buddhist gaṇacakra/gaṇamaṇḍala probably imitates a Śaiva ritual (note that gaṇa primarily means an attendant of the god Śiva). The earliest reference in Buddhist literature to a gaṇacakra or gaṇamaṇḍala dates to the early eighth century or possibly slightly earlier.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Mandala, Gana.
Full-text: Ganacakra.
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Search found 2 books and stories containing Ganamandala, Gaṇa-maṇḍala, Gana-mandala, Gaṇamaṇḍala; (plurals include: Ganamandalas, maṇḍalas, mandalas, Gaṇamaṇḍalas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
On the use of Human remains in Tibetan ritual objects (by Ayesha Fuentes)
Charnel materials in the Saṃvara tradition < [Chapter 2 - The use of skulls and bone ornaments]
Studies in the Upapuranas (by R. C. Hazra)