On the symbolism of the mirror in Indo-Tibetan consecration rituals

Yael Bentor*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Mahāyāna ideal is aprati {Mathematical expression}hā-nirvā {Mathematical expression}a - liberation with a basis in neither sa {Mathematical expression}sāra nor nirvā {Mathematical expression}a, that is to say, neither in the conventional world nor in the true nature of all things (Nagao 1981). Through the consecration proceedings a yidam, Buddha, or Bodhisattva is established in sa {Mathematical expression}sāra. Through the employment of the mirror in the consecration ritual, that yidam, Buddha, or Bodhisattva participates in the actual nature of all things as they are - unestablished, devoid of own nature, like reflected images in a mirror. If the mirror does not resolve the paradox of consecrating the unconsecratable, it holds up a mirror to the impossible mystery of transcendent immanence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)57-71
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Indian Philosophy
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1995

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On the symbolism of the mirror in Indo-Tibetan consecration rituals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this