A Tibetan mandala painting on the wall of the
Jharkot gompa depicts the essential aspects of Buddha's teachings.
In the centre are depicted a pig, a cock, and a snake, respectively
representing the three cardinal faults of delusion, passion, and
hatred. The Buddha, who laid great stress on moral responsibility,
had taught: 'This bad action which is yours was not done by your
mother or your father or by anyone else. You alone have done this
bad action, you alone will reap its fruit.' Only by overcoming
craving, hatred and delusion can one achieve Enlightment, or nirvana.
The main part of the mandala circle is divided into six spheres of
existence: the realm of the gods, of the rebel gods, of the ghosts,
of the hells hot and cold, of the animal world and of human beings.
An inner ring depicts those who deteriorate spiritually and end
in hell, and those who advance towards nirvana. The outer ring
depicts the twleve links of dependent origination. Holding the
whole is the fierce Mara, the personification of death with long
canine teeth and a crown of skulls.
From
Annapurna Circuit - Himalayan Journey
by Andrew Stevenson.
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