Iconography
The top of this nicely done altar sets the tone and theme for the sides and ends. The top is exquisitely painted, with Manjushri's sword or phurba sitting on top of a book of holy scriptures and this on top of an Ashoka throne. This is set in the Mahamudra mists of the pure lands, and is bordered by blue and red chrysanthemums. The double-edged sword ("Khadga" in Sanskrit, "Phurba" in Tibetan) symbolizes the knowledge that severs and burns away the knot of ignorance, besides keeping danger at bay. It is used by a bodhisattva who goes fearlessly wherever his help is needed by those on the path to enlightenment. He has a special affinity for women, children, and travelers, and he is characterized chiefly by benevolence, determination, and unflagging optimism. The dark blue color, the color of iron, symbolizes its unchangeable and indestructible vajra nature. The triple blade symbolizes the overcoming or cutting through of the three root poisons of ignorance, desire, and hatred. The properties of the triangular shape represent the element fire, symbolizing wrathful activity; with the tip of the blade representing ferocious activity and the inseparable union of method and wisdom as the fearlessness and certainty of its accomplishments. The Sacred book, Pustaka in Sanskrit, is a symbol of learning, wisdom and insight. The Perfection of Wisdom That Cuts Like a Diamond, the Prajnaparamita Sutra, is emblematic of the book. Wisdom in Buddhism is the most important spiritual power, as only wisdom coupled with will can liberate us from suffering. The book is not bound like books in the west, rather the sheets are separate sheets of parchment or rice paper placed between two wooden covers held together by a ribbon or wrapped in a silk cloth with a ribbon and coin used to secure it. The Ashoka, the second of the trinity of holy flowers, sprouts from the holy water-font of the Amitayus, one of the forms in which the Buddha Amitabha appeared (symbolizing the transformation from greed to discriminating wisdom). This flower sprouted when Amitabha heard of Ashoka, a great warrior, that lead his people to freedom, overcoming and defeating overwhelming forces of the enemy. The billowing clouds or mist are Mahamudra: the union of compassion and wisdom -- the ultimate realization of one’s true nature. They are represented as the transformation of our vices into the 4 powers of regret, vow, reliance, and remedy, so the practitioner will realize purification and enlightenment. This is also the basic meaning of the "Heart Sutra." The chrysanthemum border symbolizes autumn & the gathering of the harvest. In this case, it is a metaphor for achieving the goal of enlightenment & its accompanying peace. The blue represents compassion. Red is the transmutation of passion into that active compassion.
The sides feature an Ashoka blossom flanked by blue and green cliffs with kusha grass growing out of the top. the frame is decorated with a zigzag gold and red design. The zigzag gold and red design on the frame represents the transmutation of passion in to compassion and the purity of thought and actions that comes from this transformation. The rock/cliff formation represents the syllable "E" which appears in the opening stanza of early Buddhist scriptures, ("'thus,' I have heard"). The blue and green cliffs represent the unmoving nature of the mind when enlightenment has been attained. The tops of these cliffs have Kusha grass growing out of them. Kusha grass grows to a height of two feet and is used to purify defilements. Those wishing purification sleep in a field or patch of kusha grass for ritual purification. Placed under a pillow at night before initiation, Kusha grass is believed to produce clear dreams; it is also used to enhance the clarity of visualization and meditation. Kusha is the grass of choice for the manufacture of sacred meditation mats. The ends with the drawers have mare's tail cumulus clouds and the Mahamudra mists.
