Be amazed by the minutae.

August 4, 2015 by Jennie Lay

As the mandala progressed, everyone's questions multiplied. What do all those miniature details mean?

Since the monks spend a lifetime studying and contemplating the mantras and the meanings behind the mandala, we can't possibly begin to explain it all here. But Rinpoche was kind enough to share many stories and insights into some of the minute details and intricacies appearing before our eyes. In effect, the mandala is a palace for Green Tara, surrounding and protecting her. The palace lives within the very center of a lotus flower, hence the petals that went on the outer edges near the end.

Here are some select detail shots out of the mandala, with simplified explanations courtesy of Rinpoche -- the tiniest bits of visual fodder for a lifetime of meditation.

The zimba is the mandala's monster. He is a fantastical creature that is a cross between a lion and a crocodile. Holding his jewels, he is a reminder to keep moral consistency and watch your words. Next to him are two thumbnail-sized snow lions, holding up "the pillars."
The zimba is the mandala's monster. He is a fantastical creature that is a cross between a lion and a crocodile.
Holding his jewels, he is a reminder to keep moral consistency and watch your words. Next to him are two thumbnail-sized snow lions, holding up "the pillars."
Buddha's first sermon was made in the forest, in Deer Park. Two deer came along while he was speaking to three disciples. One was male, representing method, and one was female, representing wisdom.
Buddha's first sermon was made in the forest, in Deer Park. Two deer came along while he was speaking to three disciples. One was male, representing method, and one was female, representing wisdom.
The green areas of the mandala represent space. The clouds symbolize the dharma, the consciousness.
The green areas of the mandala represent space. The clouds symbolize the dharma, the consciousness.
Outside the five walls (the blue/ green/ red/ yellow/ white lines) lie the layers and layers of beautiful corridors. They too are laden with tiny symbols amidst stunning decoration, all worthy of a lifetime of study.
Outside the five walls (the blue/green/red/yellow/white lines) lie the layers and layers of beautiful corridors. They too are laden with tiny symbols amidst stunning decoration, all worthy of a lifetime of study.
Victory banners fly from the flag poles and the wish fulfilling trees hold the seven royal insignias.
Victory banners fly from the flag poles and the wish fulfilling trees hold the seven royal insignias.
A tiny monkey holds the victory umbrella. The monkey represents the undisciplined mind, and he overcoming the tendencey to get distracted. Here, he is getting an upper hand on the unruly mind.
A tiny monkey holds the victory umbrella. The monkey represents the undisciplined mind, and he overcoming the tendencey to get distracted. Here, he is getting an upper hand on the unruly mind.
The flaming sword symbolizes the wisdom to cut through the wall of ignorance.
The flaming sword symbolizes the wisdom to cut through the wall of ignorance.
The orange ring around the mandala represents the fringe of the lotus, whereby Green Tara's palace is hidden away inside the center of the base of the flower. The colorful lotus petals surrounding the mandala symbolize compassion.
The orange ring around the mandala represents the fringe of the lotus, whereby Green Tara's palace is hidden away inside the center of the base of the flower. The colorful lotus petals surrounding the mandala symbolize compassion.
As the mandala neared completion, the monks painted two last two circles of detail surrounding the lotus petals. First a circle of thunderbolds, known as the wall of vajra (or dorje in Tibetan), a dome of outer protection and impenetrable force. The outside is a ring of fire symbolizing wisdom.
As the mandala neared completion, the monks painted two last two circles of detail surrounding the lotus petals. First a circle of thunderbolds, known as the wall of vajra (or dorje in Tibetan), a dome of outer protection and impenetrable force.
The outside is a ring of fire symbolizing wisdom.