What is a Mandala? In short, it is a spiritual or ritual geometric configuration of symbols or a map.
In Buddhism and Hinduism teachings, it represents the universe.
The meaning of the word mandala in Sanskrit is “circle”.
Circles have very powerful significance in countless countries, religions and traditions.
Colourful Circles Design
In “Jungian psychology”, a mandala as a symbol in a dream, representing the dreamer’s search for completeness and self-unity.
Carl Jung, the popular Swiss psychoanalyst, was the first to introduce mandala to western thinkers and scholars
after becoming fascinated by the therapeutic powers he believed it had.
He thought that mandalas where symbolic of the psychological and spiritual self and that they lead to greater awareness of life and spirit.
The circular designs symbolises the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected.
The design is drawn from the centre outward.
It can also represents the spiritual journey within the individual viewer.
The two primary types are called Garbha-dhatu and Vajra-dhatu. These translate to “womb world” and “diamond world,” respectively, in Sandskrit. The majority of Mandalas are simply variations of these two main types.
The mandala’s purpose is to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened ones and to assist with healing.
Mandala Artwork
Mandala-like designs also appear in many cultures, including Persian, Mayan, and Native American cultures.
Nowadays, mandalas have become a popular symbol of meditation & yoga, which aids in enhancing focus,
silencing thoughts while meditating, battling stress, worry and anxiety, appreciating the beauty of nature and forming a greater connection with oneself.
Modern-day consumerism has associated mandalas with a “bohemian lifestyle” which has led to its emergence in home décor, accessories, fashion, jewellery, beauty and other aspects of our current life.
In fact, although its roots stem from the East, Mandala art is growing increasingly popular in Western culture too, as it’s not uncommon to see Mandala tattoos, sculpture, architecture, colouring books, drawings and even street art.
Artwork against wall
“These beautiful designs can be used to brighten up our home and help us achieve our goals of greater personal growth.”
Why not bring Mandala patterns into your home?
Transform your room when lit, casting intricate lacework shadows that shift in the dancing flame of the candle.
This hand-crafted gold-coloured metal tealight holder has a “distressed” green finish & a mandala filigree pattern…
These Fair Trade earrings feature a Mandala design with a blue, green & turquoise flower pattern.
You can see the spiritual or ritual geometric configuration of symbols in the printed design.
It’s easy to get lost in the shapes and colours, which can help you forget about the outside world for a while and help you relax or meditate.
Much like the quiet patience of the Tibetan monks creating sand Mandalas, the act of drawing a Mandala yourself can be soothing and meditative.
Many people choose to draw them for pleasure, finding that creating organic shapes, repetitive designs, and intricate details of each Mandala is a meditative practice – much like a yoga practice!
To try it yourself…. start with clean paper and either coloured pencils, fine-tipped markers, or watercolours.
Always begin your design by placing a dot in the centre of the paper and work outwards from there.
Repeat patterns, colours and designs until you feel your art is complete.
Mandala Design
“As always, thank you for reading this Blog post.
If you have any views on Mandalas, please leave them in the Comments section below” – Paul.
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