Mandala Art Expression

10 Nov 09:00

Samma Karuna

Let yourself get lost in colors and shapes painting mandalas. Mandalas represent the connection between our inner worlds and
outer reality. Designing your own mandalas can be both inspirational and therapeutic.

About Mandalas:
The meaning of mandala comes from Sanskrit meaning "circle." Even though it may be dominated by squares or triangles, a mandala has a concentric structure. Mandalas offer balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony. The meanings of individual mandalas is usually different and unique to each mandala. The goal of the mandala is to serve as a tool on our spiritual journey as it symbolizes cosmic and psychic order.
Mandalas have been used by lots of cultures. From Buddhism to Hinduism, Aboriginal to Hopi...even ancient alchemy - to be sure, mandalas have served mankind for centuries. The famed Swiss psychiatrist, Dr. Carl Jung, employed the mandala in his work with clients. He felt when concentrated upon (explained in this article) deeper human consciousness became elevated to an extend the conscious was able to receive revelation about the true potential and wholeness of the self.
The design of the mandala is to be visually appealing so as to absorb the mind in such a way that chattering thoughts cease, and a more philosophic or spiritual essence envelopes the observer which in turn leads to higher consciousness or awareness. In short, a mandala can be seen as a hypnotic, letting the creative hemisphere of our mind run a little more free while our analytical mind takes a little nap.
That said, we use the mandala as a form of meditation for the purpose of gaining knowledge, primarily the kind that resides within each of us.