The collection of the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy acquired a new unique exhibit. A mantra carved into yellow sandstone and covered with metal leaf was brought from Stuttgart to Moscow last week. The “Karmapa Chenno” mantra literally means “Embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas, take heed of me”. It is one of the most famous mantras in Tibet. Since the 8th century the mantras carved into stones are a part of the Tibetan calligraphic tradition. .
They can be found as decorations in all sacred places, entries to monasteries, temples and stupas. This very mantra was created in July 2009. A rare exhibit was granted by the Russian Association of Buddhists, the Karma Kagyu school. The mantra was designed by a German artist Sven Plamer.
Photo: President of the Association Alexander Koibagarov is demonstrating a stone with the carved-in Buddhist mantra.
|