| A
mandala is a pictorial representation of the universe.
The word, itself, is
from Sanskrit, meaning "wheel of life"
It is intended as a symbolic
expression, a way to envision and reconcile…
insights of science,
wisdom of the Ancients,
personal faith
or belief system.
It can also be thought of as…
a telescope
for seeing what's Out There,
a mirror reflecting awareness of what is
Here, Now,
and a microscope for understanding what is Inside, Hidden. (intersection
of physics/metaphysics, matter/energy, science/religion, mind/spirit) When
the possibilities are taken together, a way to picture one's place in the cosmos
develops. A rationale for creating a mandala becomes apparent. Although beginning
perhaps in Mystery, contemplation and meditation with regard for all a mandala
represents, make it possible for awareness to expand and deepen, for consciousness
to grow. As such it can be, and should be, thought of as a form of Sacred Art.
Serious effort and impeccable craftsmanship are appropriate expressions of respect
that also contribute to the sacredness implicit in such a project. Meditate
deeply, trusting intuition, for guidance in the creation of a mandala,
and
for guidance and understandings that can flow from a mandala
Elements of a Mandala
A
Circle- a perfect circle(s) embedded or explicit, serves as the fundamental
structure for organizing and connecting the other components. A circle is essential
because it represents unity, inclusion, community, wholeness, infinity, Earth.
In relation to other circles it can, at the same time, be about centering, focusing
and expansion. A Connection
with Nature-never does nature say one thing and wisdom something different-a
conscious connection, a sustaining relationship with the natural world is essential
and can be nurtured by the inclusion of natural forms and nature's cycles. An
Expression of Integrity-in the sense that every aspect of the mandala has
meaning and is integrated, not isolated, in relation to the whole. Everything
matters. Every element is connected and in a relationship with other elements.
Each bit of the universe comes attached…
The Power of Color-the
spectrum, chakras, a rainbow, wavelengths and vibrations, warm/cool, expanding/receding,
personal and cultural aspects are important to include Meaningful
Images-personal meaning and power might derive from envisioning totem animals,
astrological considerations, religious or cultural symbols, birthstones, ethnic
roots, etc. Be wary of clichés…
The
Importance of Shape-image-making decisions will generate shapes within the
circular format, which in turn, will generate additional shapes. Negative, or
left-over spaces, between the positive shapes, are to be considered as positive
and important…everything matters…there is no "background".
Squares and triangles, in addition to the circle, are fundamental shapes with
inherent qualities that add to meaningful expression. Both can relate quite naturally
to a circular and symmetrical format
Numerical
aspects -maintaining symmetry, contributing to meaningful organization of
the elements…some possibilities- 4 (seasons)… 7 (chakras)… 3 (trinity)…
2 (duality-light-dark, male-female, expand-contract, etc.)…12 (moons)…72
(heartbeats in a minte) 365 (days in a year)… 86,400 (breaths in a day)…
259,200 (heartbeats in a day) Harmony
and Symmetry-balancing elements in two or more directions contributes to harmonious
meditative qualities, helps take a mandala beyond the limitations of an ordinary
"picture"…a good way to express a peaceful relationship….
Complexity-the idea is to "lose" your Mind as your eye flows
effortlessly from shape to shape, color to color, layer by layer, everything connected
to, or embedded in other aspects…simplify only as much as you dare…the
idea is not to be complicated for the sake of complication but to represent the
complexity, richness, and diversity of the world, the universe, in a way that
can not be absorbed instantly, or understood simplistically… Examples
of Mandalas Examples
of sacred art in a mandala format can be attributed to a remarkable variety of
historical and cultural sources. Such universality points clearly to archetypal
inspiration and the possibility for spiritual empowerment, regardless of one's
faith or training… StonehengeRose
Windows-Gothic Cathedral---Christian Labyrinth
Tibetan Sand "Painting"---
Native American Medicine Wheel---Aztec Calendar Some
resources
google images ~ mandala - www.mandalaproject.org - Tibetan Mandala,
Crossman and Barou, ed. - Mandala, Judith Cornell -- Man and His Symbols, C.G.
Jung--- Spirit Maps, Joan Arettan---Divine Proportion, P. Hemenway
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