Mandala offering
Mandala offering (Wyl. maṇḍal 'bul ba) — a preliminary practice for accumulating merit, in which one symbolically offers the entire universe to the field of merit.
Essence
In essence, mandala offering is described as offering the universe. As it says in a tantra:
- Through offering to all the buddhas in their pure realms
- The entire billionfold universe,
- Adorned with all kinds of desirable gifts,
- The wisdom of buddhahood is perfected.[1]
Etymology
The word maṇḍala can be broken into two parts: maṇḍa means the 'essence' or 'centre and circumference' and la means 'taking hold of'. Therefore we can say that mandala means to take hold of the basis or essence for accomplishing all the glorious qualities of the higher realms and the kingdom of Dharma, the sacred truths of cessation and the path. [2]
Benefits
As for the benefits of mandala offering, it is said that it will help to perfect entirely the six transcendent perfections, which are the foundation or support for all the qualities of the paths and bhumis. The Mandala Sutra says:
- Offering the mandala, together with bajung, is generosity.
- Cleaning it thoroughly is discipline.
- Removing any tiny forms of life is patience.
- Practising with enthusiasm is diligence.
- Meditation is focusing the mind in that moment.
- Wisdom is properly drawing the mandala design.[3]
Notes
- ↑ Lobpön Thekchok Yeshe Dorje, rdzogs pa chen po klong chen snying thig gi sngon 'gro'i rnam bshad mtshungs med bla ma'i byin rlabs char rgyun, pp.101-2
- ↑ ibid, p.102
- ↑ ibid, p.103. Also quoted in Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö's Yeshe Saldrön
Internal Links
- Thirty-Seven Point Mandala Offering
- Trikaya Mandala Offering from the Longchen Nyingtik Ngöndro
- Short mandala offering
- More Mandala Offering Prayers
- Mandala Offering Mantras