Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/03/09

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Photos: a Tibetan Mandala - (non-Leica)
From: Jim Hemenway <Jim@hemenway.com>
Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2004 22:10:49 -0500
References: <BCEKKGNGDPMOIPMEJONBGEENEAAA.phong@doan-ltd.com>

Phong:

These are beautiful.  I wish that I had known about it.

Jim - http://www.hemenway.com



Phong wrote:
> A mandala is a painting made with extremely fine colored sand
> typically done by Tibetan monks who received mandala training 
> as part of their religious training.  It is a Tibetan buddhist 
> tradition rich with symbolism echoing the sacred texts.  The 
> making of a mandala is a devotional ritual, culminating in the 
> dismantling of the mandala and disposing the sand into a nearby 
> stream or river, the act of which symbolizes the impermanence of life, 
> a fundamental belief in the buddhist teaching.  I have always thought of
> this not unlike the old Zen calligraphy masters who burnt the
> scrolls after they are done with the art work.   (Imagine burning
> the negatives from your Leica ! )
> 
> The mandalas are constructed with great precision,
> using very simple tools to dispense the fine sand grains.
> They demand all the concentration and steadiness their makers can
> muster. When finished, they have a three-dimensional feel to them, which 
> when added to the intricate geometric patterns makes them look like
> a finely embroidered carpet.
> 
> This past week, three Tibetan monks spent several days constructing
> a mandala at MIT, here in Boston.  I spent some time with them
> during the process, and here are some photos.
> 
> Comments, criticisms, etc. very welcome and appreciated as usual.
> Otherwise, I hope you enjoy the photos.
> 
> http://www.phongdoan.com/Photography/Mandala/
> 
> - Phong
> 

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In reply to: Message from "Phong" <phong@doan-ltd.com> ([Leica] Photos: a Tibetan Mandala - (non-Leica))