55-min. DVD
# MAWODV - $ 19.95

MANDALA: World of the Mystic Circle

produced by Martin McGee and Cathy Steffan

A finalist at the American Film and Video Festival, this film explores mandalas' archetypal motifs on a myriad of levels with experts in physics, philosophy, architecture, psychology and art. As one of its outstanding features it captures, from start to finish, the month-long creation by Tibetan monks of the famous Kalachakra sand mandala. This well-narrated, informative, stimulating docu-DVD with beautiful photography is a delight to watch again and again. An excellent tool for educators.

What do we see in a circle? This program explores mandalas in all their richness and diversity, through art, philosophy, nature, and science.

Mandala: World of the Mystic Circle fully captures the creation of the sacred Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) sand mandala. Observe Tibetan monks from the Dalai Lama's personal monastery constructing this minutely detailed "model of the cosmos." Follow the fascinating month-long process from the first chalk lines drawn to the ritual dismantling ceremony and pouring of the blessed sand into the rapids of Nigara Falls.

The mandala, a universal motif and archetype, is explored on a myriad of levels. The monks, along with experts versed in physics, philosophy, architecture, psychology, and art, serve as your guides through revealing interviews, with numerous examples depicted and described.

A unique and definitive study of the world's most universal and timeless motif.

"Well photographed, stimulating and sensitively portrayed.... Accurately and interestingly presented. The mandala was brought out of what might appear to be an abstruse religious context into our everyday reality, which is its true place." Marylin M. Rhie, Prof. of Art and East Asian Studies, Smith College, author of Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet

"A comprehensive resource for those interested in learning more about mandalas, Tibetan Buddhism and sacred geometry. Professor Robert Thurman provides in-depth commentary on the significance of the mandala's designs and describes how the mandala is used to create a sacred space in which self-transformation can occur."--Tricycle Review