It
was inevitable that one day I should come to "painting with
light" on a computer screen with a graphics tablet and stylus
rather than creating my mandalas on flat canvas with brush and
liquid acrylic paint. The mandalas of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism are
two dimensional but represent a three-dimensional universe, or
protected realm, where individuals can mentally practice
meditation and the path to enlightenment without distraction. I
learned mandala painting by copying the exquisite and finely
detailed thangkas and mandalas of this tradition in my own
artistic style. In my mind's eye, the mandala has always been a
portal to other dimensions to discover healing and uplifting
symbolism to share through my artwork. The pathway to digital
artist has not been easy, but my creative soul dances with joy. I
have found a way to bring added depth, meaning and beauty to my
spiritual art.
The
Symbolism of the Mandala
Although
not a Tantric goddess as are the Taras, Quan Yin (Kuan Yin),
Goddess of Compassion and Healing, is one of the most popular and
revered deities in all of Asia. Her name roughly translates as
"The One Who Hears the Cries of the World." Her mantra
is "Om Mani Padme Hum." Many believe she is the female
representation of Avalokitesvara, the thousand-armed Tibetan God
of Compassion. Just as Catholic Christianity has provided the
faithful with an antidote to theological patriarchy in the Virgin
Mary, so Buddhism has evolved a feminine bodhisattva named Quan
Yin. In the Tantric sense, inherent forces continually strive to
balance and harmonize the powerful polarities of masculine and
feminine. She is often depicted in flowing robes of white for
purity and holding a willow branch in one hand and in the other a
vase pouring out her compassion on the world.
The
inspiration for "Celestial Blessings" is from an
illustration in one of my favorite childhood storybooks. The
goddess appears as the young Miao Shan who, according to legend,
meditated alone in a grotto for many years to attain perfection
before becoming known as Quan Yin. The petals of her lotus palace
are embellished with motifs from antique Chinese porcelain
symbolizing good fortune and a happy marriage as well as the
immortal lovebirds from the beloved Blue Willow dinnerware
originating in England over 200 years ago. Her "cloud
throne" was fashioned by Mother Nature. The willow branch or
wand, a symbol of wisdom and healing the earth and its people, has
been used in rituals and storytelling in a variety of cultures
throughout the world since the beginning of time.
Om
Mani Padme Hum
