Mandala, The [Hardcover]

Martin Brauen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 1997

A symbolic representation of the elements of the universe, the mandala is a mysterious and often misunderstood sacred image and ritual tool in Tantric Buddhism. The Mandala provides a thorough study, with sensational color photographs, of the different aspects of this traditional form of sacred art.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Originally published in Germany in 1992, this book gives a detailed and thorough explanation of the meaning, function, and rituals involved with the Kalacakra mandala. Each mandala in Tantric Buddhism is created to show "clearly and intelligibly the correlation between the adept's body and the universe. This lays the foundation for conscious control of the forces operating in this holistic system." Brauen, who has experienced himself the ritual involved with this mandala, focuses on the Kalacakra mandala as part of a larger discussion of the complex rituals and meditation practices involved with Tantric Buddhism. He has given us a book that will be especially useful for those wanting an in-depth treatment of the subject. Also provided are explanatory line drawings and stunning color plates (including pictures of the participation of the Dalai Lama). Recommended for academic libraries and any library serving patrons who have a significant interest in various aspects of Buddhism.?David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernadino
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Brauen's book is one of the clearest and most lucid expositions of mandala theory and practice to appear in recent years. As such, it is destined to become a classic both in the classroom and in the public reader's library." Prof. Frank Korom, Boston University. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 151 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (May 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570622965
• ISBN-13: 978-1570622960
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,036,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A mandala is not a psychic diagram!, June 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mandala (Paperback)

Martin Brauen's The Mandala: Sacred Circle in Tibetan Buddhism, translated from the German by Martin Wilson . There have been 3 or 4 other books on the subject to my knowledge, but this is by far the most extensive. Prefaced by remarks from H.H. Dalai Lama and focussing mainly on the Kalachakra tradition, it gives examples from other teachings, too. It provides a complete explanation of the mandala in tangka form, in architectural structures such as various stupas and monasteries, as well as the mandala offered in preliminary tantric practice. Besides scroll paintings and the familiar sand-painting forms, we see a delightful 3-dimensional zhi kro carved model among the many beautiful photographs and illustrations. Brauen reveals in detail the Buddhist cosmogony and Hindu mythology that is the foundation for mandalas and the deities that dwell in them.

An extensive researcher with profound understanding, the jacket reveals that Professor Brauen, who is chairman of the Department of Tibet, Himalayas and Far East at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Switzerland is currently working on a computer animation of the Kalachakra cosmos.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful book, April 5, 2010

By 

Harriet Sneakers (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mandala (Hardcover)

bought the book sight unseen- didn't know if there would be enough full color repros. The book is beautiful-- very good quality repros, and very many of them. Good text explaining the mandalas. I needed this to show this book to students in place of going to a museum to view mandalas in person, and I think the book will definitley work. It's a beautiful book!

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing collection of mandalas, January 15, 2011

By 

Photography lover (Santa Monica, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mandala (Hardcover)

I purchased this for my mother and she absolutely LOVES it. The book is very beautifully photographed and the details are perfect.