Twenty-three Deity Nairatma Mandala

c. 1375

Central Tibet

Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on cloth

Measurements

Overall: 82.5 x 72.4 cm (32 1/2 x 28 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1993.4

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Location

237 Himalayan

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Did You Know?

Virupa is depicted twice, always pointing to arrest the sun with his raised left hand. He sits among the lineage masters along the top edge, and is also depicted in the topmost segment of the ring of cremation grounds, being served a cup of liquor.

Description

A mandala is a diagram of a realm of enlightened beings. This mandala depicts the palace of Nairatma, who dances in the center. The outermost ring contains depictions of eight cremation grounds, where corpses burn, and dogs and vultures feed on human remains. Buddhist practitioners spend time in cremation grounds in order to overcome fear of death and attachment to their physical bodies. A practitioner can then reach the splendid realm of eternal bliss in the center. Accomplished teachers guide a practitioner’s meditations through the cremation grounds and every section of the mandala.