In Himalayan Buddhism, the mandala is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional space, such as the celestial palace where a specific deity resides. They are comprised of concentric circles and squares occupied by the main deity at the center and figures from his or her retinue arranged in order of importance in the interstitial spaces. Sometimes they include a landscape, and additional lineage figures above and below, as in the present example. All of these details contribute to the rich visual iconography which rewards multiple viewings; with each perusal, the devotee begins with the main figures in the center of the mandala and then moves through the painting in an outwards direction, delving deeper into the details, which guide his or her mediation on the specific tantra depicted.
The present thangka depicts the mandala of Hevajra, a male meditational deity, shown in blue, signifying a wrathful depiction. The Hevajra Tantra personifies the path to enlightenment and the attainment of the ultimate religious goals through the union of male and female principles: passion and wisdom. He holds a dancing posture with his consort Nairatmya (Without Self), depicted in red and holding a vajra. Both central figures are adorned with bone ornaments. Nairatmya embodies the state of voidness and perfect bliss. Her right leg is shown wrapped around Hevajra’s waist as she balances on her left foot.
The primary colors in this mandala, red, yellow, green, blue, and white, represent the directions and five symbolic Buddhas of tantric Buddhism. Outside each of the four doorways, two curvilinear forms emerge from the mouths of makaras, a two-dimensional depiction of a double-vajra, which serve as the structural foundation for the celestial palace.
A ring divided into eight surrounds the palace, representing the eight great charnel grounds. Each scene signifies a wrathful or semi-wrathful deity of the Anuttarayoga classification of Tantra. Here the viewer is truly rewarded for their study; each charnel ground is filled with corpses, fires, animals, and various deities commanded by a mahasiddha, or great teacher. The level of detail with which these scenes are rendered is astonishing, and no two are alike.
A ring of fire further encircles the palace, representing the flames of pristine awareness and wisdom, burning away unworthy thoughts and ignorance.
Lineage figures line the top of the mandala, read from the top left to the bottom of the composition. The top and bottom registers display a lineage of teachers and the Hevajra mandala deities. Other deities, teachers, and symbols surround the outermost ring in winding circular frames of red and green.
Compare the present painting to another Hevajra Mandala painting sold at Christie's New York 22 March 2023, lot 324 for $30,240.
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