Where Could I Buy A Mandala?

[TravelTeach]

Hi,

I'll be in BKK for a week and would like to pick up a mandala made from cloth/fabric - but not a poster. It doesn't have to be old or made from a special area, just beautiful and perhaps conducive to contemplation. Do certain temples or areas sell them? I know very little about mandalas other than the inherent beauty I see in them. I'll be in the Silom area but can easily travel around. Not sure what an appropriate price range would be.

Thanks!

[Jawnie]

You are in the wrong place, ie., Thailand, to buy a mandala. I don't know much about this but mandalas are typically associated with Vajrayana practice (perhaps with Mahayana, too). Thailand is completely Theravadin which does not seem to include mandalas, certainly not to the extent of these other schools. If you find one, or any, it will be by chance or luck because that particular shop happens to have one or some. But, Bangkok and Thailand generally don't have them and Thai Buddhists don't use them for practice or display.

[TravelTeach]

Ah I see. Thank you very much for the reply. And fortunately for me I'll be in Mongolia next week (seriously) so I'll see what I can pick up there.

TT

[khaowong1]

You might want to check in Chinatown. There's at least one temple there, can't remember where, that is a Mahayana temple, and might have a mandala for sale. Sorry that's my only suggestion.