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and vows to cultivate the Buddha-Way. The Mandala varies
greatly depending on which Sutras or mystic rituals are used. A
Mandala is either built with scented soil, or is a large painting
that has Mahavairocana Buddha on the top of it, or is a painting
of Bodhisattvas according to their rankings for the purpose of
worship. The Buddha has explained that each Bodhisattva has a
different supernatural power. They were depicted with their
distinct Mudra in the paintings. When the Initiate prays to a
certain Bodhisattva, imitating the gesture in the painting
facilitates the identification with the Bodhisattva. Other people
use a round or square glass to represent a Mandala.
The surroundings and atmosphere of the adoration place,
which are the ground, the temple, the direction, the time, the
clothing, the colors, the decoration, and the offerings, carry a
meaning and contribute to support and help the initiate realize his
wishes. The factors creating the worship place vary depending on
the type of the mystic rituals performed. Sokusaiho ceremony is
performed to repent and eliminate sinful influences. Zoyakoho is
for increasing happiness. Kuyo is for calling to the celestial
power. Gofuku is for subduing and breaking the aversion of an
opponent. Kyoaiho is for requesting Buddha and Bodhisattva for
protection and Yeimmeiho for extending longevity. All those
m y s tical rituals are considered completely efficient and will
fulfill the wish of the initiate.
To summarize, all the above rituals are the symbols of the
hierarchy of nature, and of the revolving movement in the
universe, which influences human life. However, the
complication of the arrangement and decor for those ceremonies
can be simplified and remain efficient as long as one's religious
virtue conforms to the Buddha's Vow.