I decided to do things a little differently with today’s post. Because our Facebook Page congregation is so active and involved with Project Conversion, I thought I’d let them choose today’s subject matter.
Life is sweet when we have choices, huh? Plus, there is so much material to cover within Buddhism, that I didn’t know where to start.
As you know, we are now in Culture/Arts Week. So far we’ve covered meditation and life at a Buddhist monastery. Today I’ll introduce you to a few Buddhist artistic implements requested by the folks on the Facebook Page.
First up is the mandala.
"Hey man, if I sneeze does it still count as a lesson in impermanence?"
In the Tantric schools of Buddhism, the mandala or cosmogram, is a two-dimensional representation of divine symbolism. Each one is created by first etching a pattern into a surface and then using fine grains of colored sand, gems, or other powdered material, every line is painstakingly filled in by monks. The process can take from a few days to weeks.
Meaning within each mandala depends on the symbology used in the design. Various bodhisattvas (in the Mahayana school of Buddhism, those who have achieved Enlightenment but refuse Nirvana until all life has reached this state, and thus are venerated) represent different aspects of the Buddha. The depiction of certain geometric shapes and the presence of a particular bodhisattva fills the mandala with a specific meaning along with deeper spiritual truths. In general, each mandala has three layers of meaning: the first or outer meaning is the most obvious and represents the world in its divine form. The inner layer shows us a symbolic map which guides Man to purity of mind, or Enlightenment. The innermost layer symbolizes the primordial state of perfect balance between the subtle body and the clear mind.
As a lesson in impermanence, a majority of mandala are destroyed soon after creation. Because the symbology within each piece is thought to possess healing powers, the fine materials used in the mandala are usually taken to a river where the healing properties are swept out to sea to spread among the people of the earth. I love happy endings.
Next, we have the iconic singing bowls.
Rhythmic sound, whether it resonates from an instrument or one’s own voice, has long served Man in the quest for peace of mind and deeper spirituality. Aside from chanting, some Buddhist use singing bowls in their daily spiritual practice.
According to legend, the use of singing bowls dates back to the time of the Buddha himself. The tradition was brought to Tibet via the tantric master, Padmasambhava, along with the teachings of the Buddha, in the 8th century A.D.
The creation of authentic singing bowls is a lost art. Each bowl was made with an alloy of several metals including lead, cobalt, arsenic, and copper, and blended with perfect balance.
Today, as in ancient times, singing bowls are used as meditation aids. Once tapped by a wooden mallet, their lingering tone is thought to center one’s mind with its unique frequencies.
Here’s a short video of how to use the singing bowl.
So there’s your taste of Buddhist art and spiritual aids. Hope you two get to know one another better.
Since Project Conversion began, I’ve really enjoyed the use of chants, mala beads, and silent meditation. What are some tools/art you use in your own spiritual practice?
Read Previous Post
