On the southern side are the great Bodhisattvas who embody en-lightened qualities and work selflessly for the benet of others. To the west are the Buddhist masters, spiritual friends who over the centuries displayed great compassion by teaching and continually striving on behalf of others, qualities most associated with the mandala's western direction. In the north are images of Guru Padmasambhava, the great master who came from the northwestern land of Oddiyana in the eighth century to transmit the Vajrayana teachings to Tibet. His dynamic activity and ability to communicate the most profound knowledge reflects qualities associated with the north of the mandala. Descriptions mounted on the walls explain levels of meaning associated with each direction of the mandala and specic works of art.
Slide shows on mandalas, Tibetan art, and the sacred texts run continuously.
Weekly lectures on symbolism, iconography, Buddhist thought and practice, sacred architecture, and related topics deepen understanding of sacred art as an open door to the beauty, wisdom, and compassion inherent in the human heart and mind. Seeing clearly the patterns that perpetuate frustration and discontent, the Buddha revealed how to live a satisfying and productive life in a world of constant change, where the future is uncertain and the present insecure. As his teachings took root in ancient Asia, they conveyed respect for the well-being of others and stimulated a joyful creativity that shines today through sublime artistic expressions and poetic works of great beauty. Buddhism came to Tibet in the eighth century at the invitation of great Dharma kings who knew the value of these teachings for their people and supported the translation of thousands of Sanskrit texts into Tibetan. By the time Buddhism was lost in India, its wisdom and compassion had transformed Tibet from a warrior culture into a land dedicated to cultivating the human heart and mind.