Our Shakyamuni Buddha Mandala Thangka serves as an important element in Tibetan Buddhist practice rituals. This sacred diagram depicts Shakyamuni Buddha in the center of the square surrounded by the Eighteen Arahants. This includes two standing Arahants on each side of him and 16 surround him sitting on the pink lotus petals. Additionally, on the outside of the square the four guardian kings protect the four cardinal directions.
This sacred land inside the circle is pure and kept separate from the vicissitudes of samsara. As a result, devotees can only enter the diagram through spiritual realization. In the midst of the Buddha land, Shakyamuni sits in full lotus pose expressing Bhumisparsha mudra. As a result, his right hand is stretched over his right leg and it is lightly touching the ground. Using this mudra, Shakyamuni Buddha calls the earth goddess to witness the permanent defeat of delusion. Indeed, this Shakyamuni Buddha Mandala thangka depicts the origin of Buddhism in our time.
Additionally, Shakyamuni Buddha holds the meditational alms bowl in the palm of his left hand. Inside the bowl are the three nectars for personal salvation. These three nectars annihilate the three poisons – hatred, greed and ignorance. Click here to learn more about Shakyamuni Buddha.
