This eight-panel, double-sided scroll presents diagrams exploring various aspects of the cosmos as described in the Buddhist text called the Wheel of Time (Kalachakra) Tantra. This tantra emphasizes the correlations between the outward appearances of the universe and the human body.Kalachakra CosmosThis fully annotated diagram of the Buddhist cosmos renders all of the essential elements of the Kalachakra system’s understanding of upper-world topography, and displays them both from above and from the side. It focuses particularly on Mount Meru, which is believed to sit at the center axis of the cosmos. Meru’s base, or foundation, consists of four round disks that represent (from bottom to top) air, fire, water, and earth.The Cosmic ManThe human body represents a complex inner cosmology with direct correlations to the universe. Branching off from the vertical central channel of this “cosmic man” are six centers, or chakras, associated with the six elements: space, located at the crown; water, at the forehead; fire, at the throat; wind, at the heart; earth, at the navel; and awareness, at the genitals. In addition to these primary chakras, the painting also depicts the chakras at the main joints — shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles — which correlate to the twelve signs of the zodiac. The figure’s fingers, correspond to the five elements.

Artwork Details

Title
Kalachakra Cosmology Illustration
Dimensions
31 3/8 x 84 1/2 x 2 1/8 in. (79.7 x 214.6 x 5.4 cm)
Medium
Pigments on cloth
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
paintings
Date
16th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2009.9
HAR Number
61200
Published references
* Robert A.F. Thurman & David Weldon, "Sacred Symbols: The Ritual Art of Tibet," Sotheby's/Rossi & Rossi, March 24, 1999 - April 3, 1999, New York: 1999* Brauen, M. Mandala. (New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2009). Fig. 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 4.6, 4.7; Pp. 53-57, 160-167* J. Van Halpen and A. Aris (eds.), "Oriental Medicine: An Illustrated Guide to the Asian Arts of Healing," London: 1997* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. (New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014). Pp. 74-75* Brauen, Martin. "Mandala: The Perfect Circle," in Arts of Asia, Vol. 40, No. 2, March-April 2010, Fig. 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 pp. 72-76.* Hofer, Theresia, Bodies in Balance: The Art of Tibetan Medicine. Seattle: University of Washington Press; New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014. Figs. 2.1-2.2, 5.6, pp. 34, 94, 96, 277Film:* Tibet’s Sacred Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism: An interview with Ian Baker, curator of the exhibition, Tibet’s Sacred Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism on view at the Wellcome Collection, London, 19 Nov 2015 – 28 Feb 2016. BIAPAL: Fall 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bFpoNj-Xgg

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Storytelling

Concepts

A vehicle for the preservation and transmission of knowledge. The Buddha’s teachings were originally passed down through oral transmission and storytelling, and stories of the Buddha’s past lives are considered an important source of inspiration and guidance.

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Tantrism

Concepts

A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today. 

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Instruction

Concepts

Teachings and precepts that offer practical and experiential guidance. In Buddhism instruction is primarily an oral tradition and is often targeted to the specific needs or disposition of a student or disciple.

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Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

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