Devotion for creation : Tibetan Mandala

Mandala is a art, a design. But it takes different forms in different references. Mandala is said to be one of the richest visual objects in Tibetan Buddhism. Even on purely art terms it needs high concentration and precision to create such fine and intricate design. The mandala represents an imaginary palace that is contemplated during meditation. Each object in the palace has significance, representing an aspect of wisdom or reminding the meditator of a guiding principle. The mandala’s purpose is to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened ones and to assist with healing.

Monks at Dalai Lama temple at Mcleodganj near Dharamshala busy in creating a Kalchakra painting through sacred Mandala. Monks rarely like to get photographed during this moment.

This is a sand mandala being created here. According to Buddhist scripture, mandalas constructed from sand transmit positive energies to the environment and to the people who view them. They are believed to effect purification and healing. Mandala sand painting was introduced by the Buddha himself and there are many different designs of mandala, each with different lessons to teach.

Watching monks creating a mandala is truly fascinating. When it is very calm around the sound of these metallic tubes rubbing each other to let only the desired amount of sand drop seems like a music.

You can watch the video of mandala creation at Dalai Lama temple in Dharamshala here-

Dalai Lama temple at Mcleodganj is actually residence of Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama is based here and hence it is one of the most revered places for Buddhist all over the world to visit. It is one of the reasons to bring Dharamshala to world tourism map.

A look at the monks at Dalai Lama temple-

Mcleodganj is just around 10 kms from Dharamshala. Tibetan government in exile is based at Gangchen Kyishong. Hence this place is home to large Tibetan population.

Few more glimpses of the temple-