Customer Reviews

The Wheel of Time Sand Mandala: Visual Scripture of Tibetan Buddhism

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For all of those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, Bryant's book would be a wonderful gift. This book is fun to look at; it is full of pictures of mandalas being made, the details of the mandala, and the Kalachakra ceremony. The information Bryant presents is not too ponderous for those with a casual interest, instead it provides a variety of fascinating tidbets. He discusses the history of the ceremony, as well as the meanings of actions during the ritual itself. Having heard Bryant speak to groups at one Kalachakra ceremony in India many years ago, I know that he has long been associated with the Tibetan refugee community, and the Dalai Lama. This long term interest enriches the book, and provides depth to the accounts of modern ceremonies.

Written by Barry Bryant in full cooperation with the Namgyal Monastery, and featuring a forward by the XIV Dalai Lama, The Wheel Of Time Sand Mandala: Visual Scripture Of Tibetan Buddhism is a welcome and informative introduction to the creation of the Kalachakra Sand Mandala (also known as the Wheel of Time), an act done by monks of Tibetan Buddhism for the purpose of promoting worldwide peace and healing. Black-and-white illustrations, along with a brief selection of color photographs, enhance this captivating and very highly recommended account.

"The Wheel of Time" is a fascinating guide to the world of Tibetan Buddhist sand mandalas. While Zen Buddhist sand gardens are incredibly simple and spare, the Tibetan Buddhist sand mandala is irreducibly complex, with diverse and esoteric elements. Outwardly, some mandalas can LOOK simple, especially ones with a deity in the middle like Blue Medicine Buddha or Green Tara. Barry Bryant takes his readers on a quest for knowledge. Zen Buddhism is simple and austere;Tibetan Buddhism is complex and baroque.

"The Wheel of Time" is like walking a labyrinth, with its endless winding ways. It's a fascinating philosophical book. Spin the wheel of time!