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As an analogy, it may be said that the inspiration of the embodiment of Truth
flows through the state of pure enjoyment, to the state of acting in Samsara,
and this river runs due to the compassionate nature of reality. For this reason
rivers of rainbows are often seen connecting figures from the top of the Thangka
down to the Central Deity. The River is also used to symbolize the border
between Enlightenment and non-Enlightenment. To go to the other shore
(Paramita) is considered to be perfection. To refuse to cross over is a
commitment to remain in Samsara. Those who have crossed over are called
Victorious Ones (Jina).
In the paintings featured herein, you will often see a river,
creek, pond or moat demarcating a sacred area. In some of the Mandalas, this is
a moat. When a lotus is seen growing out of a pond, it is a simile for a
break-through from the depths of reality of something that is new and beautiful
appearing in Samsara. When investigating the main deity, look to the lines of
transmission above, and look to the kind of seat the deity is sitting on below.
Is the deity sitting on rocks, or a wild animal, on a throne, on a goose, or on
a lotus? The way the deity gets around, his or her vehicle, is important to his
or her character, as is the type of seat he or she sits on.
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