Unknown Artist
Today we feature an unexpected masterpiece. In Buddhism, a mandala is a sophisticated meditation tool and a complex representation of the universe, with different parts of the universe representing different aspects of the Buddhist teachings. In the advanced practices known as tantra, meditators dissolve their ordinary self-image of a solid, permanent “me,” and instead imagine themselves in the form of a Buddha figure. In today's mandala we see the six-armed goddess, Jnanadakini (a female Tantric deity belonging to the Anuttarayoga classification of Tantra). She is in the center, surrounded by eight emanations—representations of the goddess that correspond to the colors of the mandala’s four directional quadrants. Four additional protective goddesses sit within the gateways. Surrounding the mandala are concentric circles that contain lotus petals, vajras (ritual weapon), flames, and the eight great burial grounds. Additional dakinis (sky dwellers) and lamas (teachers) occupy roundels in the corners. This tangka (Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, usually depicting a Buddhist deity) was likely part of a set of 42 mandalas relating to ritual texts collectively known as the Vajravali or Vajramala (Garland of Vajras).
Dear DailyArt users, the app you are currently using was developed six years ago. We really need to develop a new version of the app because soon we won't be able to work on this one; it is too old and not efficient anymore. To make everything happen we need $100,000. Read about how can you help us. Thank you! <3
P.S. Learn more about the rich and versatile history of Buddhist art across cultures!