Mandala (Sanskrit maṇḍala "circle") is of Hindu origin, but is also used in Buddhist context, to refer to various tangible objects. In practice, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart, or geometric pattern which represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the universe from the human perspective. A mandala, especially its center, can be used ...

Including:

• Mandala - Mandala in Hinduism
• Mandala - Mandala in Buddhism
• Mandala - Mandala in Vajrayana
• Mandala - Mandala in Nichiren Buddhism
• Mandala - Downloading the Gohonzon from GohonzonInfo Group
• Mandala - Other meanings of mandala
• Mandala - Mandala in Discordianism
• Mandala - Mandala Software

Read more here: » Mandala: Encyclopedia - Mandala

See also:

Mandala, Mandala - Mandala in Hinduism, Mandala - Mandala in Buddhism, Mandala - Mandala in Vajrayana, Mandala - Mandala in Nichiren Buddhism, Mandala - Downloading the Gohonzon from GohonzonInfo Group, Mandala - Other meanings of mandala, Mandala - Mandala in Discordianism, Mandala - Mandala Software

Read more here: » Mandala: Encyclopedia II - Mandala - Mandala in Buddhism

Mandala mandala (Sanskrit) A circle, ball, wheel, ring, or circumference, as the orbit of a heavenly body, and hence a great circle in astronomy, an orb. Also one of the ten mandalas (circles, divisions) of the Rig-Veda Samhita.

Also the sacred circular pictures in Buddhist art.

(See also: Mandala, mandala, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

Mandala, which literally means circle, largely associated with religions and cults of India and Tibet, was also used as a potent symbol by the American Indians, the original inhabitants of Central America, and by the aborigines of Australia.

Across cultures, the universe is represented as a series of concentric circles, maybe as a model of the solar system. In Tantra, the central point represents Mount Meru around which the earth is situated, and the concentric circles represent the cosmic aspects of the universe, like energy fields and atmospheric zones. In Hindu and Buddhist interpretations, the centre of the Mandala is the ultimate divine principle uniting the object and the subject as they spin out of the centre. This may refer to the cosmos or to the human body.

Read more here: » Mandala: Mandala as Symbol of the Universe

Mandala Sand Painting

According to Buddhist scripture, mandalas (geometric designs symbolic of the universe) constructed from sand transmit positive energies to the environment and to the people who view them. They are believed to affect 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.

Read more here: » Buddhism: Buddhist Mandala Sand Painting

The Entry Into The Sukha-Mandala

7. The Yogi should stand in the seat of Bindu and close the nostrils, having known Sushumna and its Bheda or piercing and making the Vayu go in the middle.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad: The Entry Into The Sukha-Mandala

Mantras & Yantras: Types of Yantras

These five types of yantras are classed according to the different puja (worship) conducted. Bhu Prisht Yantras, Meru Prisht Yantras, Patel Yantras, Meru Parastar Yantras and Ruram Prisht Yantras. Each yantra has a separate and distinct purpose to gain a particular objective for the aspirant. Some yantras are worshipped in temples, some worshipped by individuals at home and some are worn on the body. According to how the yantras are used they are further classified into seven divisions Sharir Yantra, Dharan Yantra, Asana Yantra, Mandala Yantra and Puja Yantra.

Read more here: » Mantras Yantras: Types of Yantras

Buddhist symbolism appeared from around the 3rd century BCE, and started with aniconic symbolism, avoiding direct representations of the Buddha. Anthropomorphic symbolism appeared from around the 1st century CE with the arts of Mathura and the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, and were combined with the previous symbols. Various symbolic innovations were later introduced, especially through Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist symbolism - Early aniconic symbols. Among the earliest and most common symbols of Buddhism ar ...

Including:

• Buddhist symbolism - Early aniconic symbols
• Buddhist symbolism - The 32 signs of a Great Man, and 80 Secondary Characteristics
• Buddhist symbolism - The Mudras
• Buddhist symbolism - The eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan & Nepali Buddhism
• Buddhist symbolism - International symbols of the World Fellowship of Buddhists

Read more here: » Buddhist symbolism

January every year, devotees throng the Sabarimala temple situated in the Sahayadri ranges in Kerala, to participate in the renowned Mandala Puja conducted during Makara Sankaranti.

The deity worshipped here, Lord Ayyappa, is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu and is also known as Sastha and Harihara Sutha. The basic concept of incarnation is that God descends in order to let man ascend.

(See also: Makara Sankaranti, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Vaastu Shastra (Vaastu- physical environment and Shastra- knowledge/ text/ principles. The 't' in both the words is pronounced softly. Also spelled Vastu) is one of the traditional Hindu canons of town planning and architecture. These canons are codified in texts such as Manasara Silpa Shastra (by Manasara), Mayamatam (by Maya), Viswakarma Vaastushastra (by Viswakarma), Samarangana Sutradara (by Raja Bhoja), Aparajita Praccha (by Viswakarma's son Aparajita) and Silpa ...

Including:

• Vaastu Shastra - Components of Vaastu Shastra
• Vaastu Shastra - Vaastu Purusha Mandala
• Vaastu Shastra - Mandalas- types and properties
• Vaastu Shastra - Mandala in site planning and architecture
• Vaastu Shastra - Mandala and site
• Vaastu Shastra - Mandala and building
• Vaastu Shastra - Aspects of environment and energy
• Vaastu Shastra - Other aspects of buildings
• Vaastu Shastra - Conclusion

Read more here: » Vaastu Shastra: Encyclopedia - Vaastu Shastra

mandala: (Sanskrit) "Circular; orb; mystic diagram."

A circle. Name of the chapters of the Rig Veda Samhita. A circular diagram without beginning or end - which indicates the higher and the lower and other possibilities - upon which one meditates. A tapestry, picture or grouping of words used in meditation to enter the realms depicted.

(See also: Mandala, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

In Hinduism a gopi (somtimes gopika) is one of the several cow herding girls who had pure devotion (bhakti) to Krishna. The two top-most gopis are known as Srimati Radharani and Candravali. Candravali is Srimati Radharani's rival for Krishna's attention. Because Radharani possesses all charm and sweetness, she is the better of the two and is supremely famous. Each of them has millions of doe-eyed gopi followers. The gopis may be divided into three groups: 1. Gopi friends of the same age as Krishna, 2. maidservants ...

Including:

• Gopi - Contemporary gopi friends samaja
• Gopi - Varistha the most exalted
• Gopi - Vara exalted
• Gopi - Maidservants mandala
• Gopi - Gopi messengers gana
• Gopi - Asta-manjaris

Read more here: » Gopi: Encyclopedia - Gopi

Ekam-The Ultimate Oneness Vethan-The Creator Thirumal-The Maintainer Sivan-The Destroyer Vaikundar-The Incarnation The Trinity Akilattirattu Ammanai Vinchai to Vaikundar Thirukkalyana Ekanai Arul Nool Thalaimaippathi Pathis Nizhal Thangals Ayyavazhi Publications Ayyavazhi movements Mai ...

Including:

• Tatvas - Pancha Bhutam - 5
• Tatvas - Gnanendrya - 5
• Tatvas - Kanmendriya - 5
• Tatvas - Thanmaathrai - 5
• Tatvas - Anthakarana - 4
• Tatvas - Naadi - 10
• Tatvas - Aatara - 6
• Tatvas - Thathu - 7
• Tatvas - Vayu - 10
• Tatvas - Kosa - 5
• Tatvas - Navaduwaram - 9
• Tatvas - Vikara - 8
• Tatvas - Mandala - 3
• Tatvas - Pini - 3
• Tatvas - Guna - 3
• Tatvas - Mala - 3
• Tatvas - Avastha - 5

Read more here: » Tatvas: Encyclopedia - Tatvas

The term Shambhala Buddhism has come into use as an umbrella term referring to the teachings of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism as propagated by the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, mixed with the various Shambhalian teachings and practices revealed by the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (the 11th Trungpa Tulku). The present head of the lineage is Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, Trungpa Rinpoche's eldest son and Shambhala heir. Shambhala Buddhism - Distinguishing Characteristics of Shambhala Budd ...

Including:

• Shambhala Buddhism - Distinguishing Characteristics of Shambhala Buddhism
• Shambhala Buddhism - Shambhala Training
• Shambhala Buddhism - Shambhala Terma
• Shambhala Buddhism - The Kalachakra the Rigden Kings and Gesar of Ling
• Shambhala Buddhism - Zen and Japanese arts
• Shambhala Buddhism - Elements of Bön Taoism Confucianism and Shinto
• Shambhala Buddhism - Dorje Kasung
• Shambhala Buddhism - Maitri and Mudra
• Shambhala Buddhism - Other Practices
• Shambhala Buddhism - History of Shambhala Buddhism
• Shambhala Buddhism - The Shambhala Buddhist community today
• Shambhala Buddhism - Shambhala International
• Shambhala Buddhism - Spiritual Teachers
• Shambhala Buddhism - Shambhala Land Centers
• Shambhala Buddhism - Larger Shambhala Mandala
• Shambhala Buddhism - Related Publications

Read more here: » Shambhala Buddhism: Encyclopedia - Shambhala Buddhism

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Womb Realm (Skt. garbhakosa-dhatu, Jp. 胎蔵界 taizōkai) is the metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Wisdom Kings. The Womb Realm is based on the Mahavairocana Sutra. The Womb Realm is a very popular subject for mandalas, and along with the Diamond Realm (vajradhatu) Mandala forms the Mandala of the Two Realms. Category: Buddhist philosophical concepts ...

Read more here: » Womb Realm: Encyclopedia - Womb Realm

Buddhist symbolism appeared from around the 3rd century BCE, and started with aniconic symbolism, avoiding direct representations of the Buddha. Anthropomorphic symbolism appeared from around the 1st century CE with the arts of Mathura and the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, and were combined with the previous symbols. Various symbolic innovations were later introduced, especially through Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist symbolism - Early aniconic symbols. Among the earliest and most common symbols of Buddhism ar ...

Including:

• Buddhist symbolism - Early aniconic symbols
• Buddhist symbolism - The 32 signs of a Great Man and 80 Secondary Characteristics
• Buddhist symbolism - The Mudras
• Buddhist symbolism - The eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan & Nepali Buddhism
• Buddhist symbolism - International symbols of the World Fellowship of Buddhists

Read more here: » Buddhist symbolism: Encyclopedia - Buddhist symbolism

For the capital city of Indonesia, see Jakarta. Kalapa, according to Buddhist legend, is the capital city of the Kingdom of Shambhala, where the Kulika King is said to reign on a lion throne. It is said to be an exceeding beautiful city, with a sandalwood pleasure grove containing the mandala circle of Kalachakra made by King Suchandra. Kalapa - Links. Shambhala Kings of Shambhala Kalachakra ...

Including:

• Kalapa - Links

Read more here: » Kalapa: Encyclopedia - Kalapa

Mudaliars are people belonging to a forward caste originally from Tamil Nadu. Foremost in the hierarchy among the many Mudaliars are the Thondai Mandala Mudaliars who trace their ancestry to the author of the Peria Puranam. Some subsects are forward-caste while most are backward-caste. Varying classifications of Mudaliars include Arcot Mudaliar, Agamudaiya Mudaliar, Senguntha Mudaliar, Poonamallee Mudaliar, Thuluva Vellala Mudaliar, Tirunelveli Saiva,Isai Vellala etc. Some Pill ...

Including:

• Mudaliar - Famous Mudaliars

Read more here: » Mudaliar: Encyclopedia - Mudaliar

Boudh is a district of Orissa, India. The early history of Boudh is still in obscurity. However, the discovery of remarkable Buddhist statues from Boudh led some scholars to believe that Boudh was an important Buddhist centre of Orissa. From the epigraphic records it is known that in the middle of Eighth Century A.D., Boudh region was under the occupation of the Bhanja rulers and was a part of Khinjali Mandala. The earliest known ruler of this Bhanja family was Nettabhanja who was ruling over the Dhenkanal region ...

Read more here: » Boudh: Encyclopedia - Boudh

Mandala:

A sanskrit word meaning "section". A symmetrical design used for meditational, or spiritual purposes. Tibetan Buddhists are known for the mandalas they take months to make from colored grains of sand. When complete, they blow the mandala away to demonstrate the impermanence of all things.

(See also: Mandala, Body Mind and Soul)