What is a Mandala?
What you really need to know about Mandalas
“These mandala designs are so pretty, and soo cool! But wait - what are they?”
Is that what you've been thinking?
First of all, there are a LOT of mandala interpretations, so here's my explanation and what makes the most sense for Mara's Mandalas. Share your interpretation in the comments!
Mandala in Sanscrit (the Indian language commonly used in yoga🧘🏻♀️) literally means Circle.
Mandalas are geometric designs that represents the universe, more specifically: a microcosm of the universe (1).
This layering of circles is meant to show us how we are connected to the infinite universe. And that's why we allow them to be so detailed!
Our soul is represented in the center 🙌🏻. Each accumulating circle represents layers of the world that extends beyond our minds and physical bodies. Eventually each layer extends beyond the world and into the universe (2).
This whole process shows us how connected we are as a soul to the entire universe.
The mandala is also a pathway to lead us spiritually inward, starting from the outer circles and working out way inward towards the center, our true self. 🙏🏻
Origin of Mandalas
Mandalas began as a tool for meditative practices, mainly in Hinduism and Buddhism. They meditated on the mandala, starting from the outside circles of the mandala brings you toward the center. The mandala acted as a guide, leading from the cosmic process of the universe to an individual's experience, ranging from suffering to joy (3).
Here's a version of a Hindu mandala called a Yantra mandala. This one is yellow. It has symbols in a specific way to connect with the divine here:
Yantra mandala art symbolism:
A) Center: represents beginning of the universe
B) Lotus flower petals in outer rings: typically represents chakras (body energy centers), which unfold higher awareness potential through meditation
C) Triangles: Upward facing moves energy upward towards action and spiritual awareness, downward represents creativity and pursuit of spiritual knowledge (4).
Photo credit cited below.
Next example -- Here's a mandala in Buddhism, made with sand.
Photo credit cited below.
These mandalas are made by Buddhist monks.
The design is precise and includes 722 deities that they pray to during the creation process
They meditate for peace, compassion, and balance.
This process enhances the specific energy of the mandala.
Then, they release it to the environment by shedding the sand into a river or body of water.
The idea is that the energy is then received by anywhere this sand is distributed. (5)
EXCITING NEWS: These monks put a specific intention into the mandala this way, similar to how we do at the Mandala Art Circle!
Maple Leaf Wisdom Mandala + Intention. Shop Mandalas
Mandalas are for You.
In the Mandala Art Circle, we make mandalas to nourish what our souls are longing for in this moment.
We use them to set intentions for others, such as healing or specific requests.
We COMBINE the theories from Hinduism + Buddhist mandalas, so they are a blend of energy-infused symbols.
These mandalas are beautiful pieces of art that are bursting with bright light and pure energy!
The power of Intention is strong.
Mandalas are intention-making TOOLS, as well as reminder MACHINES to enhance your intention in everyday life. 🌈
Plant reminders for you to shine your light and be that positive-energy person that you know you are: At work and at home. With your kids and family. Through social experiences - physically and virtually. Mandalas enhance goal setting and deepening spirituality for all areas of your life.
If you have questions or want to dive deeper into mindfulness, take a FREE Mini-Workshop!
What’s your favorite thing you learned about mandalas… and why?
Let us know in the comments!
Hope to see you in a Mandala Art Circle class soon!
Mara
References: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala 2. http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Main.html 3. https://www.invaluable.com/blog/what-is-a-mandala/ 4. https://www.mandalasforthesoul.com/hindu-mandala/ - photo credit 1 5. https://www.mandala-painting.com/sand-mandalas/ - photo credit 2
