Yamantaka Mandala
Monks of the Gyuto Tantric University, 1991Colored silicate and adhesive on wood. Creation Place:Asia, Tibet. Gift of funds from the Gyuto Tantric University. (www.artsmia.org)

This is a Yamantaka Mandala. A mandala or circle,  is a representation of the Buddhist universe, and it was created by the Monks of the Gyuto Trantic. According to the Gyuto Trantic University, these cosmograms represent in symbolic color, line, and geometric forms, all realms of existence and are used in Tantric meditation and initiation rites. The creation of a mandala, considered a consecrated area, is believed to benefit all beings.  The Yamantaka mandala, a cosmic blueprint of the celestial palace of the deity Yamantaka, Conqueror of Death, as you can see is represented at the center by the blue vajra or thunderbolt. The first thing that got my attention about this portrait is the point located right in the middle marking a position inside the portrait. As I look more closely I’m inclining to conclude that the creator placed the Point right in the middle to project some sort of representation of power; strategically placing the focal point right in the center for spiritual purposes of some sort. The next object that caught my attention were the two squares located in the middle of the portrait. We can see lines going vertical and horizontally forming a cross within the circle. In fact if we look closely there are four squares formed by lines. These are straight lines forming several squares and they vary in thickness and texture. Once a line reaches a certain thickness it becomes a plane. A line can be straight or curved, and in this portrait we have the presence of both types of lines. I think these objects are created for a specific purpose. They have meaning and significance only within that context. I also think that they are created with aesthetic considerations, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. The complex symbols and elegant combination of primary colors may be only considered for pure spiritual expressions. This Mandala was created to honor the millions of Tibetans who have lost their lives to political and religious persecution during this century.