Abstract:

This is a fascinating look at the creation and profound inner meaning of the world's richest religious symbol, the Buddhist mandala, an intricate and vividly colored pattern that represents an enlightened universe. Filmed during the construction of the sand mandala of the Buddha Vajrabhairava (the Diamond Terrifier), it intimately shows the artistry of the Namgyal monks as they build the mandala grain by grain. It explains the detailed symbolism of the mandala, and presents a captivating introduction to Buddhism and tantra. Mandala is dedicated to the late Ven. Pema Losang Chogyen whose impressive 3-dimensional, computer-generated mandala is excerpted. "It is an especially effective presentation of the wonder and the precision of the sand mandala and of the philosophies behind the art form."--Tibet Journal