The Theory and Practice of the Mandala

by Giuseppe Tucci

Mandalas are complex arrangements of patterns or pictures used in Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism to represent the cosmos (or "wholeness") and to give expression to the infinite possibilities of the human subconscious. Though mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit, mandalas are more often squares or rectangles, filled with images and geometric figures that symbolize forces of the individual and collective psyche and the flow of energy to and from a central point. Believers use this powerful figure as a focus of ritual and a support for meditations — through its use gaining possession of the energies signified by its images or symbols.
This intriguing, thought-provoking study by one of the world's leading authorities on the subject examines the basic doctrine behind the theory and practice of the mandala in India and Tibet, by both Hindus and Buddhists. "As a whole," as the author says in his preface, "the spiritual background is the … the yearning to find out a way from time to eternity, to help the primeval consciousness … to recovery of its integrity." Individual chapters consider the doctrinal basis of the mandala, the mandala and its various parts, the liturgy of the mandala, and the mandala in the human body. Of special interest to students of Eastern philosophy and art, this volume will also fascinate New Agers and anyone interested in the symbols and psychology of Asian cultures.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

About the author

Giuseppe Tucci was a scholar of oriental cultures, specializing in Tibet and the history of Buddhism. He taught at the University of Rome La Sapienza until his death, though he remained a visiting scholar at institutions throughout Europe and Asia, and served as the first Chair of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Naples from 1931. He is considered one of the founders of the academic field of Buddhist Studies.

Reviews

[Peter A Bolds · Rating 1 out of 5]

Expected some pic

Expected some pics, examples, none. Disappointed that no were given. I think I can get more info by looking at youtube

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The outcome of reading a book containing complex metaphysical topics written by a scholastic author is normally a sterile discussion devoid of any true spiritual meaning - the result of not having practiced the spiritual tradition of which is written. Occasionally we are lucky enough to encounter an author who has not only studied what is written of, but is also a practitioner of the studies. Fortunately this is the case with Professor Giuseppe Tucci and his book The Theory and Practice of the Mandala.

Professor Tucci's lifetime work was focused on Oriental spiritual beliefs with a majority of his time spent with the Tibetans prior to their in situ cultural destruction and diaspora by the Communist Chinese. It goes without saying his experience with Bon and Tibetan Buddhism provides a significant background for this work. Professor Tucci also incorporates to a greater extent mandala usage in Hindu beliefs and to a lesser in the Jain spiritual tradition.

The Theory and Practice of the Mandala's organization is supportive of stepping the reader through a discussion of the mandala's usage within Hindu and Buddhist traditions. That said this is not a book I would recommend to someone lacking a background in Mahayana Buddhism and esoteric practices. Professor Tucci's writing is succinct in its discussion of the topic and doesn't take the time to provide details outside of the book's scope. This topical focus will loose most casual readers in the first chapter.

The Theory and Practice of the Mandala is comprised of five chapters and an appendix of mandalas with their descriptions. The initial chapter provides a very detailed doctrinal basis of the mandala in Hindu and Buddhist spiritual beliefs. Following chapters delve deeper into the doctrine of dispersion and reintegration, the symbolism used within a mandala, mandala liturgy with significant samples and a discussion on the mandala's use as the tool of unification between the universe and the practitioner. For those that practice esoteric traditions this book is an excellent mandala primer. It does not teach a particular practice, but does an outstanding job providing a background understanding of how the mandala is utilized and the basis for it's use.

In the Professor's writing one can read a hint here and there of how Jungian archetypes and late antiquity Platonic metaphysics correspond with the mandala's physiological doctrinal use by the Orient. It would have been a great boon for either Professor Tucci or one of his students to follow up with additional research which would investigate how the usage of the mandala relates to Occidental ideas and practices of the same. I believe there might be some great insights into the purpose of neo-Platonic praxis - specifically invocation and evocation of deities - when using the mandala theory as a basis for understanding across both the East and West.

The Professor's writing has a penchant for run on sentences - my only criticism of his book. Whether this is an artifact of the translation I have not a clue. The run on sentences seem to occur when significant concepts are being conveyed. This provides an opportunity for the reader to study not only the mandala, but Tucci's writing style as one devils out what the Professor is trying to convey.

[Lysergius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic introduction to the mandala and its use as a vehicle for integration of the subconscious.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, quite dense. I didn't finish it, though I probably will someday.

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dense, academic book. Is this someone's masters or doctoral thesis? lol