Ise sankei mandara and the Image of the Pure Land.

Abstract

The Ise sankei mandara appears to have been used as a guide to the Ise shrines. While a superficial analysis of its main features shows that the mandala is a fairly accurate visual representation of the sacred precincts, its meaning is much more extensive. The natural features of the Ise sanctuaries emerge as the physical representation of a non-physical world, for at certain points the spiritual can be intensely experienced in the environment. The mandala guides the prospective pilgrims through the physical world while reminding them that the pilgrimage is actually an image of the pilgrims' own life, and also offers a glimpse at their life's goal: the Pure Land. Furthermore, the mandala picture when taken by itself can be used as a means by those who cannot actually visit Ise to still enjoy the benefits of the pilgrimage.