Four Gates

A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol that is observed by both Hindus and Buddhists.  It represents the Universe. The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates and contains a circle with a central point. Mandalas generally exhibit radial symmetry. The four gates are usually T-shaped. As a meditation on the concept of impermanence, Buddhist monks spend several days or even weeks creating a large and intricately patterned sand mandala. When it is finished, the colored sand is brushed together into a pile and spilled into a river or stream to spread the blessings of the mandala. I don’t think I have the right temperament to be a Buddhist. One of the things that appeals to me most about quilting is that I’m making heirlooms; items that are both useful and beautiful, and that might be handed down from generation to generation.