M A N D A L A S, Y A N T R A S, A N D T E A C H I N G T H A N G K A S
The Tibetan mandala is a symbolic diagram of the universe. It is an extra dimensional view of the cosmos as a palace showing all four cardinal directions and a view from above, simultaneously. Additionally, it can function as a vision of time-space awareness.
Each mandala has a deity in the center of the symbolic palace, showing the gates of the four directions.
Yantras are a geometric diagram used as a meditation aid in Vajrayana Buddhism. For example the six pointed star, or a double triangle, is the yantra for Vajrayogini.
Teaching thangkas consist in two major forms— the Refuge Tree, and the Wheel of Life.
The Refuge Tree is a meditation aid for beginning practitioners to visualize teachers of their lineage, as well as their connection to all sentient beings.
The Wheel of Life is an important teaching tool to demonstrate the importance of how Karma creates rebirth in any one of the six realms: humans, gods, demi-gods, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell realms.
