My mandalas are getting bigger and more complex. This one is about 4 1/2 inches across.
The Gates of Paradise
A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"
"Who are you?" inquired Hakuin.
"I am a samurai," the warrior replied.
"You, a soldier!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard?" Your face looks like that of a beggar."
Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued: "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head."
As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"
At those words, the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed.
"Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.
From Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings. Complied by Paul Reps.
wow, timely. i am teetering on the brink of whether to unleash my arsenal on a particular person. if this isn't a sign.....
ReplyDeletethe mandala is beautiful ~ cool and calm and soothing, with a touch of exotic. each layer radiating and supporting the one it front of it.
I LOVE your mandalas!!!!!!! You should sell them.
ReplyDeleteThis bead work is stunning and how the centre looks different up close and then surrounded by the light blue-it is beautiful. This piece makes one think about anger and how it can be our own destruction
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beading!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStunning, like Brigit I like hwo the centre looks different close up and then different when looked at against the very calming light blue.
ReplyDeleteMars
Curling Stones for Lego People
The mandala is serene, calming and uniformed. Folding the soul in on itself ... and interesting challenge by the master to see if the solider/student could see through his provoked rage. Well done
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