The Mandala Symbol

The sun and the moon, the fertilized egg and the atoms, the flowers and drops of water, all these gave birth to the symbol of the mandala.

According to many writers and travelers' manuals and visuals, the symbol of the mandala, the circle, represent the universe.

Mandalas in the West

There is also a tradition of healing circles in the west. Powerful symbolism is seen in Native American sand paintings, medicine wheels and shields.

Medicine wheels represent the universe, change, life, death, birth and learning. The great circle is the lodge of our bodies, our minds and our hearts. Although there are many parallels to the Tibetan Mandala, Native Americans never used the word Mandala to describe their sacred circles.

In Europe, Hermetic Mandalas, though usually linear, may also be circular. Alchemy, the Kabbalah, geometry and numerology play an important part of their design and creation

Adam Mc Clean writes

 In his book �?STRONG>The Western Mandala�?  "Mandalas can be seen as keys that unlock the mysteries of our soul's architecture. If we choose to use them in this way, they can lead us deep into the mysteries of our inner world." The architecture of Gothic cathedrals shows another way towards illumination.

A Vision Quest

Is the ritual of seeking to communicate with the spirit world in order to obtain life guidance and strength. An individual retreats to a secluded place for a number of days to be in touch with the inner spirit and to be blessed by a vision of a spiritual teacher and helper.

The Traditional Mandala

 Is a complex design that is used in religious practice for meditation or contemplation. Use of the Mandala In Eastern traditions Mandalas are round or sometimes square and two-dimensional. Jungians usually see Mandalas as round and two-dimensional.

There are Two basic uses for Mandalas

They can be used as a focus for meditation or they can be used as a way of getting to know your self better. In the first case the stress is on the use of the finished Mandala, in the second the making of the Mandala is the most important.

Of course you can use a Mandala made for self-exploration as an object for meditation, and vice versa, A Mandala meditation can be a kind of self-exploration. In general, the art, symbols, and color of a Mandala will guide an individual from the distractions of the mind, the outer rim of the Mandala to a still center, the center of the Mandala.

The Mandala you use usually has a special significance for you. This makes it a potent tool. In times of stress, you can use your Mandala as a reality anchor. Whenever you feel that you are loosing grip.

You simply Visualize your Mandala and concentrate on it. Choose a soothing but well-defined Mandala for this purpose. Whichever definition of Mandalas you subscribe to, they're supposed to be good for you.

Many people say that they feel better whether they use it for self-exploration or as an object for meditation. A circular design seems to be particularly beneficial.There is great variety of patterns to explore. For someone new to Mandalas, it is probably best to choose something simple, and increase the complexity later on. Start out with a pattern that appeals to you.

Connecting to the Mandala

Circles are universally associated with meditation, healing and prayer. There are many ways to connect with Mandalas. Numerous cultures have developed specific methods and added meaning to the process.

Depending on whom you ask for a definition of Mandalas, you get different answers. Some definitions are wide, others broad, and sometimes the intersection between them is empty.

For some people Mandalas, and the making of them, is a highly formalized art, for others they are a means of self-expression. There is no absolute correct way.

We must each find our own path to the center. Meditating with and creating Mandalas is a wonderful way to enhance the journey.

Tibetan monk Lobsang Samtem States

"Each individual person who sees and meets the Mandala has a different experience.

May your encounters with Mandalas be filled with deep understanding and peace."