PRACTICE NIGHT
Exploring the Mandala of the Five Buddhas

The Buddhist tradition has an abundance of mythical or archetypal Buddhas - each one symbolising a particular quality or qualities of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. The Five Buddha Mandala is a particular grouping of these Archetypal Buddhas which, together, can be thought of as the Dharmadatu - or Ultimate Reality, the Enlightened Mind or our true potential as human beings.

Aksobhya in the East, embodies Mirror-Like Wisdom; Ratnasambhava in the South represents Abundance and Generosity; Amitabha in the West  is Compassion and Amoghasiddhi in the North, represents Fearlessness and Action. Each of them is associated with different colours, directions, spiritual transformations, and many other qualities. Finally the figure of Vairocana, in the centre of the mandala, is the complete embodiment of all of them and of Ultimate Reality itself.

These are not mere deities to be worshipped, these Five Cosmic Buddhas are symbols of our potential for Enlightenment and can help us to transform our ignorance, anger, and desire into the higher wisdoms, leading us towards a more enlightened state of being.

During these five weeks we will be exploring what they mean and how they came about, and how, one by one, they can guide us towards spiritual growth and understanding.

Week One - Wednesday 20th November - Shakyapada looks at how these Buddhas arose after the passing (parinirvana) of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and how they and other mythic Buddhas can nourish the deep sense of longing in our being.
Week Two - Wednesday 27th November - Joanne McVey explores the qualities and symbolism of Aksobhya - the blue Buddha of the Eastern Realm.
Week Three - Wednesday 4th December - Mark Jones delves into the qualities and symbolism of the yellow Buddha, Ratnasambhava, who resides in the Southern Realm
Week Four - Wednesday 11th December - Shakyapada introduces Amitabha, the red Buddha of the Western Realm.
Week Five - Wednesday 18th December - Tasha Ramrous explores Amoghasiddhi, the green Buddha of the Northern Realm and then finishes the series with a brief look at Vairocana who embodies them all of them and represents the Enlightened Mind itself.

All over 18 welcome whether new to Buddhism or more experienced. There is no need to book, just turn up.

There is no charge but, as we have no other income we would appreciate a donation each week (we suggest £10 but please donate whatever feels okay)