Mandala

An excellent work of art, this mandala illustrates Buddha’s birth and attainment of enlightenment, the Buddha’s multiplication, Samvara images engaged in love with his consort, and arhats. The principal theme of the Buddha’s birth and attaining enlightenment has been depicted in the centre. The newborn divinity, as is the myth, soon after his birth walks seven steps and at all seven places lotuses emerge. Close by has been painted a figure of matured Buddha with typical Chinese features. He is standing under a tree, obviously the Bodhi-tree, under which he attained enlightenment. Around this central circle, in between it and the outer ring, are four circles, each enshrining nine Buddhas, and four vertical columns, each composed of two images of Samvara and his consort engaged in love.