Mandala Meditation

Mandala is an ancient word simply meaning ‘circle’ in Sanskrit. Mandalas are patterns which range from simple to complex, and are said to represent the Universe and its energies. Varying designs have appeared for centuries in cultures around the world. These beautiful and intriguing works of art can be used in any meditative practice.

To use a mandala in your spiritual practice, begin by choosing one which has special meaning for you, or has a design you personally find harmonious. Many can be found online, in design books, or in color-it-yourself art books. The colors and patterns can also hold intrinsic meanings.

When you have found a mandala you like, use it as a focal point for meditation. State your intent beforehand. While studying the design of your mandala, let your mind stray into the subconscious.

This work is quite similar to candle or crystal work, in that the imagery directs our thoughts rather than the other way around. If you’ve ever found yourself getting lost in the patterns of a tile floor, or the wallpaper in a favorite room, then you’re already well-equipped for mandala work!

Once you’ve begun regular mandala meditations, you may wish to create your own. Mandalas can be created using any medium from pen and crayon, to stone or sand. As with all art therapy, there is no right or wrong way to create a personal mandala. Because they represent balance and symmetry, you may wish to fold a piece of paper in half when first beginning, in order to create a design which mirrors itself.

A mandala is a symbol of the universe in its ideal form, and its creation signifies the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy ~ Nancy Blume

To get rid of the clutter of life and mental white noise, choose a quiet time and place to create your mandala. Use calming music if needed, and let your imagination go. If you’ve never drawn before, or don’t consider yourself artistic, don’t worry… mandalas can be as abstract or realistic as you wish.

Try looking at books or websites for inspiration, or if you have a strong cultural heritage, at folk art from your culture.

They are is a powerful symbol of the infinite circle of life, the unbroken cycles, as well as a road map of sorts to your personal universe. No two are alike, and yours may look quite different from anyone else’s.

Mandalas can be black and white, or use every color in the rainbow – that part is up to you. The colors you choose will have unique meanings, so why not spend an afternoon with a blank mandala and a large box of colored pencils? Tools such as a math compass or a Spirograph (the geometric drawing toy that produces mathematical roulette curves) can also help you create intricate designs if you’re nervous about drawing freehand.

The creation of a mandala, the representation of the world in divine form, perfectly balanced, precisely designed, is meant to reconsecrate the earth and heal its inhabitants ~ Joan Chittister

From cave paintings to modern-day mysticism, mandalas are a powerful tool to help connect us to the Universe. They are the perfect way to combine creativity and art therapy with a healthy meditative practice. Additionally, you’ll have beautiful, frameable works of art after every session! If you’re looking for a new way to decompress and find greater meaning in your life, it’s as simple as picking up a blank sheet of paper and some crayons.