What is a mandala?

What is a Mandala?

The word mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning “sacred center” or “circle”.

Inside of this circle are patterns, geometry and colours that hold many different symbolic meanings. Circles represent wholeness, and squares represent the physical world. Colours also hold special significance red can symbolize strength, blue calmness, yellow learning, or wisdom and green often symbolizes nature or healing.

Universally, no matter the pattern, style, size or colour,  mandalas essentially contain symbolism in the form of unity, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Cultural meaning of Mandalas

Mandalas have captivated cultures worldwide for centuries. These sacred symbols hold deep meaning and serve as powerful tools for spiritual growth, meditation, and self-expression.

For Buddhists, mandalas represent the universe in an ideal form and highlight the transformation of suffering into joy and make intricate colourful sand mandalas as a reminder that everything is temporary.

For native American’s, mandalas represent the circle of life, the path from birth to death and use them to connect with the creator. The most known is in dreamcatchers used to protect sleepers from the influence of bad dreams.

In Aztec culture, the most well-known mandala is the Aztec stone calendar dedicated to the sun god. Each symbol represents a god who rules at that time and each god rules a different quality like intelligence, cooperation, or cleverness.

While Christianity does not feature the same kinds of mandalas as we see in eastern tradition, Christian churches often have rose windows which resemble mandalas. The rose window symbolizes the unity and infinity of the universe as seen through the lens of Christian faith.

Creating a Mandala for self expression

Making a mandala is often a spiritual tool for meditation, self-reflection and achieving a state of balance and wholeness.

Mandalas can have many uses and can be integrated into your life in many different ways, such as decoration around your home on clothing or as tattoos.

Creating a mandala for me is a form or self-expression and connecting with oneself on a deeper level. The process allows me to channel my emotions, thoughts, and experiences into a physical form, fostering a connection between the inner and outer words.

When I am in the process of creating a Mandala I enter a flow state- a state where the connection to head and hand is directly connected to the universe or what I refer to as the “source” or direct line to all inspiration and creation. This is often a meditative experience where my heart rate regulates and my breathing slows to a relaxed state, my head clears and answers to any questions or problems I may have often come to me. With my attention completely redirected inwards this induces self-reflection and a sense of inner safety.

Creating a mandala is all about the process rather than the result and each mandala is a personal journey constructed with an intention for either myself or for someone else.

Components of Mandala’s

Mandala’s comprise of symmetry, geometry, colour, numbers and intention. By becoming aware of these attributes and consciously combining them we can use Mandalas to not only transform and empower the spaces in which they are hung but the lives of those who view them as well.

Mandala’s found in nature

Mandala’s can be found in our everyday lives – from eyes to snowflakes, tree rings, seashells, flowers and spiderwebs – as just a few examples!