The ninth or tenth-century maṇḍala shown here is taken from a tantric text called 'The Symposium of all Buddhas'. This text appeared in India in the late seventh century, and established the standard pattern for maṇḍalas: a four-gated palace containing a central buddha and four other buddhas in each of the four directions. In the four intermediate directions there are four goddesses making offerings. Guardian Kings of the four directions occupy the corners, and four fierce protectors guard the maṇḍala's gates. This drawing was probably intended as a teaching guide or a personal aid to the visualization of the maṇḍala.
Ink on paper
The British Museum,
1919,0101,0.173 (Ch.00428)