Shingon

Introduction to Shingon Buddhism -- 3

The Two Basic Mandalas of Shingon

The Mahavairocana and Vajrasekhara sutras each have an associated mandala. These are known as the Taizo Mandala (for the Mahavairocana Sutra) and the Kongokai Mandala (for the Vajrasekhara Sutra). They are displayed in every Shingon temple. As you face the mandalas, the Kongokai Mandala is on your left and the Taizo Mandala is on your right.

	........
Kongokai Mandala	........	Taizo Mandala

These two mandalas and the two sutras they represent express the dual nature of Shingon teachings. The Kongokai Mandala represents the true nature of reality from the standpoint of Wisdom (Japanese chi). The Taizo Mandala represents Principle (Japanese ri), the phenomenal world, whose true nature can be understood utilizing the wisdom of the Kongokai Mandala. Both these mandalas embody the samadhi of Mahavairocana.