In Tibetan Buddhism, the mandala (from the Sanskrit for circle) is the depiction of an imaginary palace to be contemplated in deep meditation. To open the covers of the giant, luminous Celestial Gallery is to step inside an array of these intricate palaces, and to take a spiritual journey to the heart of Buddhism. By meditating on each symbol, and moving mentally toward its center, the viewer, a seeker of higher awareness, can encounter ever deeper levels of meaning. The folio size promotes an intense, hypnotic experience, giving readers the opportunity to explore these works of breathtaking brilliance in minute detail.Ian A. Baker, acclaimed Tibetan scholar and author of the text in Shrestha's first book, The Tibetan Art of Healing, provides inspiring commentary to each painting. Best-selling author Deepak Chopra introduces Celestial Gallery, and Dr. Robert Thurman, preeminent authority on Buddhism, contributes an insightful afterword