Title: Painting from the series on the Sarvavid Vairocana Mandala, consisting of 54 miniatures that depict a meditation process
Creator: Unknown
Date: Late 18th century
Location: Chengde
Culture: Mongolian
Materials: Gouache, Paper
Dimensions: height: 27cm – width: 27cm
Repository: Museum aan de Stroom, Antwerp, Belgium
This image is one of 54 images that would sometimes be illustrated surrounding a mandala painting. The images combine to show the process of meditation. Depictions of the meditation process are stated to be “almost non-existent,” so this series is very unique.
In this specific image we see what a meditating person tries to build in their mind. In order to get to this state, one must clear their mind of all interfering thoughts and concentrate on the life of the Buddha. When that is achieved they will get to the state we see depicted.
The painting has an array of colors, between the pink clouds, green vegetation, and blue mountains. The depiction of the higher level of consciousness has an orb of rainbow colors and a structure showing some symbols, like the lotus and a crescent moon.
References:
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/painting-from-the-series-on-the-sarvavid-vairocana-mandala-consisting-of-54-miniatures-that-depict-a-meditation-process/igEsR7MvAfaayg
