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Ma막ala
Collection:
Central Institute of Studies, of Buddhist
Choglamsar,
Leh (Ladakh)
School
of art: Tsang-bris
20th
century
Ma막ala
The
ma막ala is a very complex building of yidam. It is separated from the
profane world by different fences. The outermost circle is made of burning
flames in the five alternative colours. It is called Meri in Tibetan. The
second fence is adorned with the chair of vajras which is called Dorje
Raba. The third ring is formed with lotus petals.
Inside
the circles, the proper ma막ala is situated as a splendid palace in the
square shape. It has four comers and four wonderful doors on each of its
four sides of the walls which are attached with four gate projections. It
has many steps from the bottom to the top~ such as raja, vedi, stambha,
kapola, canopy and the like. It is decorated with various ornaments, such
as wheel of Dharma, parasol, lotus, lunar disc and the prong of a cross of
vajra. The roof of the Ma막ala is also ornamented with jewels, banner in
flask, saints and parasol and so forth.
The inner side of the Ma막ala is sub-divided by two diagonals into four triangles which have equal size. It contains a further circle in the centre with vajra symbols. The innermost centre of the ma막ala is a creative locus of the mystery where emerge the rays of the void. The Yidam resides in the centre of the ma막ala who is surrounded by the entourage of four or eight Buddhas. He is attended by four high ranking goddesses. Ma막ala is a very essential factor to receive the initiation of any Yidam. It is also necessary for the trainee who gets practice of any Tantric meditation.
Here,
the ma막ala of Avlokite퓏ara is illustrated. In the upper portion of
the ma막ala are some deities viz., on the left comer is white
Tara, in the centre, Vajradhara and on the right U픪i픞v줷aya. In the
lower portion Ma탂u퓊� and Vajrap「i are portrayed. These are outside
the ma막ala.
