Mandala of Compassion

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mandala-of-chenrezig-avalokiteshvara-by-carmen-mensink

Mandala of Avalokiteshvara (Tib.: Chenrezig)

The Mandala of Compassion

All Buddhas have their own Mandala. Such a geometric structure can be seen as a world of existence in which the Buddha lives. This is the mandala of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word, and its Tibetan equivalent is dkyil-khor, meaning ‘that which encircles a centre.’ A mandala is the palace, or celestial residence of the deity. The structure of this place models that of the ancient palaces in India.

Every aspect of a mandala structure has a deep meaning. All four directions have doorways that represent the Four Immeasurables: love, compassion, joy & equanimity.

In the centre hub of the mandala the seed syllable Hri is painted, which represents the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara. This syllable can be seen as the sound manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, containing the essence of his enlightened qualities.
A fire wall and a ring of vajras surround the mandala and protect it from negative energies and conditions.

Mandala of Compassion Thangka
Copyright: © Carmen Mensink 2007
Status: Sold

The Making of:

Painting a Mandala  Carmen Mensink in front of her mandala of the Buddha of compassion, Amsterdam, 2011