An Illustrated History of the Mandala (From Its Genesis to the Kalacakratantra)

Everyone’s heard of mandalas; now we have a uniquely rich history and explanation of their meaning.

This book is a history of the genesis and development of the mandala from the fifth and sixth centuries, when the mandala first appeared in India, to the eleventh century, when the Kalacakratantra appeared just before the disappearance of Buddhism in India. The 600 years of Indian esoteric Buddhism that concluded the 1,700-year history of Indian Buddhism could be said to have been the history of the development of the mandala. (The Kalacakratantra integrated earlier mandala theories into a single system and established a monumental system unprecedented in the history of esoteric Buddhism. It was thus the culmination of the development of Indian Buddhism over a period of 1,700 years.) The analysis is at the micro level and includes numerous illustrations and charts. Particular attention is paid to proper names, mudras, and mantras that have been overlooked by scholars in philosophy and doctrine, and the author tackles issues that cannot be explained solely from a historical viewpoint, such as geometric patterns, the arrangement of deities, the colors, and their meaning in Buddhist doctrine.

This book title, An Illustrated History of the Mandala (From Its Genesis to the Kalacakratantra), ISBN: 9781614292784, by Kimiaki Tanaka, published by Wisdom Publications (December 4, 2018) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.

Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer An Illustrated History of the Mandala (From Its Genesis to the Kalacakratantra) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.

Prefer to work with a human being when you order An Illustrated History of the Mandala (From Its Genesis to the Kalacakratantra) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!