Material: Crystal. Engraved. Polished

Size: Approximately 24/14 cm in diameter

Description: The offering plate, usually referring to the "Mandala Pan" (or Mandala Offering Plate) in Tibetan Buddhism, can be traced back to the classic records of Indian Tantric Buddhism. According to the description in the Guhyasamaja Tantra, this method of offering first appeared in Indian Tantric Buddhism, emphasizing offering to the Buddhas through visualization of the cosmic structure. During the Song Dynasty in China (around the 11th century), the Indian monk Shih-hu translated the relevant scriptures into Chinese as the "Buddha Speaks of the Supreme Secret Great Teaching King of the Vajra Three Karmas of All Tathagatas," formally introducing it into the Chinese Buddhist system. In Tibetan Buddhism, the specific form of the Mandala Pan is related to Master Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), who initially used a stone slab as a simple Mandala Pan for offerings. Later, it gradually evolved into being made of materials such as gold, silver, and copper, and inlaid with jewels and jade, becoming an important ritual implement in Tibetan Buddhism. This tradition symbolizes the "center and periphery" (Tibetan: Kyil kor) of the Buddhist cosmology, with Mount Meru at its center, encompassing the sun, moon, four continents, etc., representing the offering of the entire Dharma realm to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions and three times.

How to Use the Mandala Offering Plate

The mandala plate is usually a round or multi-tiered tower-shaped plate made of copper, consisting of four hollow rings, each gradually converging upwards, with a pointed top symbolizing wealth. When using it, practitioners fill the plate with rice grains, grains, shells, crushed agate, turquoise, pearls, etc., representing all precious things in the world. The specific steps are as follows:

1. **Preparation and Visualization**: Hold the plate in your left hand, and make a sword finger gesture with your right hand (or use a special tool). While reciting the mandala offering mantra (such as "Om Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum"), visualize the entire cosmic structure, including the ten realms (the four noble realms and six ordinary realms: Buddha, Bodhisattva, Arhat, Pratyekabuddha, Deva, Human, Asura, Hell, Hungry Ghost, and Animal).

2. **Filling and Offering:** Starting from the bottom, rice or gemstones are sprinkled layer by layer, symbolizing offerings of the Dharma realm, the sun and moon, Mount Meru, etc., to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. After filling, the plate forms a tower shape, representing a complete and perfect mandala.

3. **Conclusion and Relinquishment:** After the offering, the contents are usually poured out or scattered, symbolizing the practitioner's relinquishment of attachment and cultivation of a generous heart. This process is not only an external ritual but also an internal meditation, helping to accumulate merit and purify karmic obstacles.

In the daily practices of Tibetan Buddhism, the mandala plate is often used in guru transmission, initiation ceremonies, or personal retreats, emphasizing the concept that "offering is practice."

The Influence of the Mandala Plate on Buddhism

As a core ritual implement of Tantra, the mandala plate has profoundly influenced the Buddhist practice system and cultural art. First, it reinforces the Buddhist cosmology and the spirit of generosity, helping practitioners realize impermanence and emptiness through symbolic offerings, cultivating wisdom free from attachment. This is particularly prominent in Tibetan Buddhism, where it has become a key method for accumulating merit and wisdom, influencing the rituals of major traditions such as the Nyingma and Gelug schools. Secondly, the mandala has promoted the development of Buddhist art; from two-dimensional mandala paintings to three-dimensional mandala architecture, all originated from this concept, influencing temple design, Thangka art, and ritual music. Furthermore, it has extended to the psychological and cultural levels; for example, Swiss psychologist Carl Jung viewed the mandala as a tool for exploring the subconscious, indirectly promoting the global dissemination and application of Buddhist symbols. Overall, the mandala not only enriches the esoteric practices of Buddhism but also serves as a bridge connecting religion, art, and wellness, strengthening Buddhism's inclusiveness and universal influence.