Mandala Class
Lama Tendar is an ordained Buddhist Monk and teacher of the sacred Tibetan Buddhist practice of Mandala formation. Lama undertook his training in Tibet and later at the Gyuto Monastery in India; and is highly skilled in creating both painted and sand mandalas, and making ritual objects such as traditional butter sculptures.
Mandalas are a sacred representation of the mind of enlightenment. Painting mandala is a life changing experience as it helps to develop patience, tolerance and mental clarity, and cuts through negative habitual patterns.
Lama Tendar patiently takes each student through a journey of creating their own Mandala.
In these classes, students work towards completing a full Mandala, though its design is formalised, each completed Mandala reflects the personal spiritual evolution of the individual making it. The process does require an ongoing commitment from both student and teacher, ultimately it is a fulfilling personal journey of spiritual growth and self-discipline.
A full sized Mandala may take years to complete due to the complexity of the structure, the intricate details and the opening and transformation of the ones own inner world,
New students are welcome to attend and begin the journey by drawing or painting smaller Buddhist symbols.
All are welcome. No artistic background is required. Everyone is a perfect artist for painting Buddhist Mandala.
Lama Tendar will guide you step by step from beginning to completion. This is the supreme way to generate peace in the world.
Lama Tendar gradually teaches the meanings of the mandala symbols, as well as associated practice. The Mandala is a pure land of enlightenment. This is an unique opportunity to refine the quality of one’s mind and thus generate peace and happiness in the world.
Retreats
Lama Tendar teaches authentic Buddhist Mandala painting in the Gyuto Monastery tradition. A practice that has been passed down over thousands of years from an unbroken oral lineage of the Buddha. The retreat offers an unique way to discipline the mind, rest the body and cleanse the speech.
It has the effects of practicing calm abiding and insight meditation. It’s a supreme art therapy that removes mental obscuration, purifying mental habitual patterns that hinders the recognition of the true nature of mind. Confidence and positive energy arise through the joy of drawing and painting the symbols of the Mandala. If proper concentration is applied, one hardly notices the passing of time. The process of constructing a full Mandala generates one’s mind to be merged and unified with the enlightened mind.
What to expect :
Lama Tendar teaches how to paint a wide variety of Mandalas, depending on the mental disposition of the student.
Starting with the Eight Auspicious Symbols or Compassion Mandala, one could continue the journey onward with other Mandalas such as Peace Mandala or Wisdom Mandala.
Advanced students who have received initiation from a qualified guru into the Anuttarayoga and Kriya Yoga Tantras ( Highest and Lower Tantras ) may choose to paint the Medicine Buddha or Yamantaka Mandala.
Each Mandala, including each symbol of it, is the manifestation of the qualities of the deity. It is highly symbolic and layered with a great deal of meaning. Therefore painting Mandala is a great offering of positive energy to the universe, It is a wonderful way to generate merits.
Enjoy a five day journey of deepening in mental tranquility through meditation and Mandala painting fully guided by Lama Tendar.
The contents of the retreat include:
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Morning Meditation generating one’s mind to be the same as the enlightened mind of deities. Undertaking the recitation of Buddhist Mantra, Prayers and Chanting.
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Explanation of the structure of the Mandala and the meaning of the symbols.
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Drawing and painting the chosen Mandala fully guided by Lama Tendar.
Lunch is taken between 1pm - 2 pm and is shared with participants, everyone invited to bring along a favourite dish to share and enjoy
For more information, check our latest event listings and subscribe to our email list.
Suggested Materials
There is no need to purchase everything prior to your first class or retreat experience, starting with some basic sketching materials is a good start. Medium and large sheets of paper can be purchased from the centre at an additional cost. Lama Tendar advises students to invest in artist quality paints and to avoid cheaper 'school' paint brands. Given the amount of work put into each Mandala, having archival quality pigments and materials is essential.
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Compass
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White rubber
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HB pencils
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Ruler
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Sketchpad A4 or A3
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Pencil sharpener
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Paint and brushes:
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Watercolour brushes size 0, 1 and 2
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Flat bristle brush size 1/4
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Acrylic paints: suggested brands (artist quality) Matisse, Atelier, and Golden
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Cadium yellow light
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Ultramarine blue or cobalt - deep blue can be lightened with white
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Napthol crimson (red)
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Black
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White
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Orange (bright)
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Pathalocyanine green
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Gold
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Paper towel
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Baking paper
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Small white plate for paint
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Flat kitchen sponge or chux
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Rag
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Soap to clean your brushes
