Day 11 - Jharkot Gompa    A Mandala Painting
 
Click for next image of Nepal... 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.