365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Mandal

In Mahayana Buddhism, a Mandal is a significant ritual object that represents Mount Meru and the cosmos. It is commonly incorporated into altar designs, serving as a visual aid for meditation and spiritual practice. The Mandal embodies the universe's structure, facilitating a deeper connection to cosmic principles during rituals. Thus, the Mandal plays a crucial role in Buddhist practices, symbolizing the intricate relationship between the material world and spiritual enlightenment.1
gallery thumb

In Spanish: Mandala; In German: Mandal; In Dutch: Mandaal; In Finnish: Mandaali

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Mandal'

Buddhism Books

Mandal in Buddhism symbolizes a ritual object representing Mount Meru and the cosmos, frequently incorporated into altar designs, serving as a visual aid for meditation and spiritual practice.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) A ritual object in Buddhism depicting Mount Meru and the cosmos, often included in altar designs.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: The Six Yogas of Naropa

(1) The Mandal, which can be made of clay or gems, needs to be smeared with incense and the Five Nectars, which is the beginning of the practice.[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

The concept of Mandal in local and regional sources

History Books

Mandal is identified as a land measurer involved in a legal dispute, hired by both parties to validate their claims regarding a tree, highlighting its role in land disputes and measurements.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Mandal is the term used for a land measurer, who was hired by both brothers to support their claims in the legal dispute over the tree.[3]