Iconography

The back offering-gallery has a classically done Dharma wheel with a perfectly executed yin-yang symbol in the center.  Going out from the Dharma Wheel are the Mahamudra mists leading to stylized Durva grass. Reaching to the side galleries that are an extension of the Mahamudra Mist. This wave is also featured with the lotus through out the art on this piece. The combinations of colors used represents the elements and thoughts that come into play. . In three parts, the Dharma wheel exists as a hub, the center of the world.  The 8 spokes denote the 8 paths to enlightenment. These 8 steps work together, not separately.  1. right understanding . 2. right attitude  3. right speech  4. right action  5. right work    6. right effort  7. right mindfulness  8. right meditation  The rim represents the attribute of limitation.  All are contained within a circle, which is perceived to be perfect and complete, like the teachings of the Buddha
    The two front  panels on either side of the door show a lotus flower  coming out of the Mahamudra mists over 6 Cintamani with Kusha grass instead of the usual flames.   The lotus is an important Buddhist motif since images of the Buddha and other important deities often are seen seated on a lotus throne. The growth of the lotus, its roots in mud & growing through water to emerge as a wonderful plant above the surface, is seen as analogy of the soul’s path from the mud of materialism to the air of enlightenment.  Just as the lotus blossom rises above the mud and is beautiful, so must you raise your thinking out of the mud with pure, clean thoughts that are noble and praiseworthy.  Then, you also will be beautiful.  Grass also has another meaning;  because grass is highly resilient, it is believed to be immortal.  Therefore, it proclaims the end of samsara, the successive death and rebirth of all beings.  It usually takes a long time to overcome samsara, and a longer life span will allow greater progress in moving towards enlightenment within a given cycle.  Cintamani, when depicted in sets of 3, represent the body, speech and mind of Buddha such as the practitioner may possess.  Cintamani are also referred to as the “Thinking Jewel” and symbolize the importance of teaching and as well as the enlightened mind. Pictured here are 6" flaming" jewels, wherein the flames have been replaced by Kusha grass. Kusha grows to a height of two feet and is used to purify defilements; those wishing purification will sleep in a field or patch of kusha grass to acquire ritual purification.  Kusha grass under a pillow at night before initiation is used to produce clear dreams; it is also used in Buddhism to enhance the clarity of visualization and meditation. Kusha is the grass of choice  to manufacture sacred meditation mats.
     The door has a very well done Zipak and Dharma wheel set in the Mahamudra mists. The Zipak originates in a Shaivite legend from the Shandha Purana.  Shiva created a demon called Jalandhara from the blaze of his third eye.  Jalandhara assumed great power and desired an incestuous relationship with Parvati, the consort of Shiva and Jalandhara's adoptive mother.  Jalandhara persuaded Rahu, one of his demonic friends, to demand Parvati's favor.  When Shiva got wind of this, he was understandably outraged, so his third eye blazed again, thereby creating the Zeeba, who made a beeline to devour Rahu.  Rahu decided that Zeeba was going to eat him bones and all and begged Shiva for mercy; whereupon, Shiva offered forgiveness and called off Zeeba.  Because Zeeba had not had anything to eat since coming into the world and had been deprived of his only prey, he turned on himself and devoured his own body until only the head and hands remained.  Shiva was very pleased with his handiwork and invited Zeeba to remain as the guardian to his door.   Since then, he has become a reminder of the consequences of gluttony and greed and also stands as a guardian of practitioners.  Zeeba's fingers point to his missing body to show what can happen when someone is overcome by avarice. The billowing clouds or mist are Mahamudra: the union of compassion and wisdom -- the ultimate realization of one’s true nature.  They are represented as the transformation of our vices into the 4 powers of regret, vow, reliance, and remedy, so the practitioner will realize purification and enlightenment.  This is also the basic meaning of the "Heart Sutra."~~A complete Iconography explaining the rest of the door will be provided upon purchase.~~