The Mandala is central to the visual language of Tibetan Buddhist culture and to the rich meditative traditions as taught by its Dalai Lamas, Yogis, Monks & Nuns.  In this two part podcast Robert AF Thurman gives an in depth teaching on the building of mandalas (both physically + conceptually) explaining some of the traditional methods, materials and reasoning behind their use as meditation maps.

Includes an over view of mandala symbolism, their application as mnemonic devices & creation in sand, wood and most importantly in the minds of those practicing visualizations.

In the second half of the podcast Professor Thurman explains the history of the Kalachakra Tantra, its relationship to the myth of Shambhala and the use of mandala, mantra & ritual offerings during teachings given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

This podcast is apart of the ‘Buddhism 101’ Series using classic teachings from Robert Thurman to elucidate basic concepts of the tradition.

This podcast is an excerpt from the “Second Morning Session of the Kalachakra Study + Practice with Robert AF Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat.

Mandala Photo by Paul Benjamin via www.flickr.com.