Mandala in Sanskrit means "circle", and the art of the mandala refers to symbols that are drawn or depicted in some other way in a circular frame. Mandala art was used all over the world as a process of self-expression, helped personal growth and spiritual transformation.
Mandala Designation
The fact that mandalas are drawn in a circle can lead us to the experience of integrity. With the correct execution of the mandala, there is a central point or focus inside the symbol, from which the symmetrical pattern emanates. This suggests that in each of us there is a center with which everything is connected, through which everything is ordered, and which in itself is a source of energy and strength. Almost every spiritual and religious system known to man speaks of the existence of such an inner center.
The use of a mandala refers to a process aimed at integrating and harmoniously expressing the totality of human nature - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Mandala art can help explore these levels associated with the human unconscious.
Create mandala
There are many ways to create a mandala. The easiest option is to draw. First, a circle is drawn on paper or canvas. It can be filled with drawings spontaneously, expressed in creative, unpredictable forms. Or you can fill the circle with special images, combining work with deep relaxation, meditation, using visualization methods, etc.
The value of mandala art
What is the value of mandala artwork? First of all, by drawing these symbols, we distract attention from external concerns and connect with our own internal space. It helps to relax, refreshes and energizes.
Secondly, the art of a mandala is a private process of self-confrontation and self-expression, which does not depend on other people. In search of the meaning of our life experience, we can sit down any time we want, draw a circle, fill it, understand the reflection of what is happening inside, and find out what it means.
Thirdly, through the mandala we can find where our energies are blocked, what we resist, in what roles and actions we are stuck. Or, using compelling and graphic ways, we can celebrate our successes, portray things that inspired or affected us in life.
Fourth, the art of the mandala can help us find harmony, love and learn from the very center of ourselves, the higher "I". One of the biggest problems in life is to discover and fill the deep sources of inner wisdom that flow within us. The art of mandala awakens our inner genius, helps him communicate and express himself directly.
Fifth, mandalas can help us see the larger cycles that operate in our lives if we do them regularly, and then look at a series of patterns that have evolved over time.
Color functions
Color performs symbolic functions in everything: from Buddhist spiritual art to modern psychoanalysis and graphic design theory. When used in mandalas, color often fills a work with even greater symbolism and meaning.
The Meaning of Color in Tantric Buddhism
Buddhist tradition uses many visual images in its practices. Color is of particular importance in Buddhist art, since the concept of enlightenment is often represented by "pure light" or the encapsulation of all colors of the rainbow.
In Tantric Buddhism, there are five specific colors that are associated with Tantric religious texts, and the sixth - black - covers everything and nothing. Traditionally, the following meaning of the colors of the mandala is used:
- White - peace, relaxation, contemplation.
- Yellow is nutrition and restraint.
- Red is submission.
- Blue - healing, wisdom, life.
- Green is exorcism.
- Black is anger, death.
The five primary colors, excluding black, are the five personifications of the Buddha. Each of these Buddha incarnations is displayed in the corresponding color that they symbolize.
The meaning of color in Tibetan Buddhism
In Tibetan Buddhism, mandalas are created according to religious texts, the features of creation depend on the purpose. For example, the Mahavairochana Sutra says that the mandala should be painted in five colors, following the prescribed path from the center to the outer edge:
- White is openness.
- Red is power, life energy.
- Yellow: Humility.
- Blue - infinity, purity and life.
- Black is darkness.
However, other colors, such as green and gold, are often found in Tibetan mandalas. Green often symbolizes nature and the balance between man and the earth, and gold - the sun and fire.
In Tibetan sand mandalas, colors are carefully arranged according to specific teachings. Their main meaning is as follows:
- White is faith.
- Yellow is an effort.
- Red is a memory.
- Green is meditation.
- Blue is wisdom.
Mandala color meanings in psychology
In the 20th century, psychoanalyst Carl Jung first used mandalas in therapy as an expression of an unconscious patient. In many ways, Jung was influenced by Eastern philosophy, so it is not surprising that many of these color associations are similar to their Buddhist predecessors. For example, red symbolizes passions from anger to lust, yellow indicates a mind and intellect, and purple symbolizes a creative and sometimes narcissistic tendency.
The meaning of the colors of the mandala from threads, sand, beads can have both traditional value and modern.
Modern color meanings
Now that mandalas can be found in coloring books almost everywhere, everyone can access the ancient healing and meditation resources of this art form. How colors are used can affect feelings and moods when they are created.
While color theories are often based on some of the early symbolic meanings of mandala colors, in our time people have developed cultural associations with certain colors. For example, blue may be associated with feelings of sadness, and green may be associated with feelings of envy. Red, black and white, on the other hand, retained values closer to the earlier and traditional ones. Red often symbolizes anger (as well as love), black is still associated with death, and white continues to represent elements of purity and innocence.
As a rule, when creating your own mandala, regardless of its purpose, they are guided by the usual color values. For example, in the manufacture of a mandala by date of birth, the meaning of the colors can be used the same as in modern color theory.
Creating a mandala, you must carefully listen to yourself and your feelings. Then carefully look at the different colors and trust your intuition. In this case, do not forget the basic meaning of colors. Then it will be easy for you to choose what color to paint the mandala.
Also, colors are chosen regardless of the material of manufacture. It can be sand, beads, threads. So, when weaving a mandala from threads, the meaning of the colors remains the same as when drawing.
The basic symbolism of the mandala
In modern and traditional use, there are certain components of mandalas that have a deep symbolic meaning. Perhaps the most important element of the mandala is the central point. In ancient Greek and Roman traditions, this central point often meant "I". In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the center is the starting point of contemplation and devotion to the divine.
Description and meaning of traditional mandala symbols
Traditionally, mandalas have been used in religious practices both in the form of meditation, and as a way of connecting with a spiritual entity. In the Hindu religion, the mandala was so significant that most of the holy places and temples were built using the mandala as a plan or template. Therefore, each tradition usually uses certain symbols that are culturally related.
Yantra: for the Hindu religion, Yantra is a repeating mantra that usually refers to deities. Therefore, when used in mandalas, Yantra takes the form of a geometric pattern - usually a circular shape inside a square, which is understood as the embodiment of a particular deity.
Celtic ornament: Celtic images come from Western Europe. They often symbolize unity, balance and energy. The Celtic cross is one of the most famous symbols and represents the transition between the heavenly and earthly kingdoms.
Wheel: a mandala, usually in the form of a wheel or includes it. In Buddhism, it represents the circle of life and embodies the process of seeking enlightenment. In Native American cultures, the wheel is often used as a symbol of the connection between man and nature.
Lotus: in Buddhist traditions, the lotus is one of the most significant symbols. The lotus flower is symmetrical and, therefore, can be associated with balance and unity. The meaning of the mandala "lotus flower" is very important, it symbolizes purity and communication with the divine, as well as the desire for unity with the universe.
Vajra: This is a ritual object that has a deep meaning in Buddhism and Hinduism. Vajra is often used to represent beliefs and strong spirit.
Description and meaning of modern mandala symbols
In the modern context, mandala symbols are often derived from traditional patterns and usually refer to the same properties of the connection of the earthly kingdom with the spiritual. Currently, the meditative power of mandalas is making them popular, and the symbols used are often less specifically related to divine contemplation and are instead universal images that transcend cultural and traditional meanings.
Sun: This is a universal symbol that has been used since ancient times, and continues to be a popular base for mandala patterns. The symbol of the sun can represent the universe and often carries the meanings associated with energy and life, since the sun supports growth and life on the planet.
Heart: This symbol is also universal and therefore often used in a modern context. Hearts most often symbolize love and devotion, but since the heart is also an important organ of living things, it can be associated with life.
Tree of life: this symbol is based on the meanings associated with life and growth. Each part of the tree has a separate meaning; roots are often stabilizing or grounding forces, while leaves can represent both strength and tendency.
Animals: can represent different meanings depending on the characteristics of the creatures being depicted. Animals are popular in the modern context because they are secular symbols that are used regardless of religion.
Labyrinth: although the maze pattern was of great importance in historical traditions from the Greeks and Romans to Native Americans, this model remains popular in modern customs. Labyrinths often represent a path or journey that culminates in a sense of integrity and enlightenment.
Triangle: if it is located with the top up, then its main values will be determination and strength; if its top looks down, it will mean indecision and weakness.
Spiral: clockwise means the beginning, in the opposite direction - devastation, a waste of energy.
The main meaning of the mandala "flower of life", according to many people, is connected with the comprehension of the universe, the ability to model one’s own destiny, and the improvement of karma.
Mandala application
Our body participates in the mechanical act of drawing, and we feel our own nervous system in a new way in the subtle movements associated with the act of drawing. Our mental patterns are reflected in concrete forms and structures that arise inside the circle, and feelings are reflected in the use of color.
Drawing and coloring a mandala can be a very enriching personal experience in which a person looks inside himself and finds shapes, colors and patterns in his heart.
You can create a mandala, symbolizing the state of mind that a person seeks to achieve. Mandalas are great tools for meditation and self-awareness. Many cultures use mandalas in their spiritual practices.
The best thing in creating your own mandala is that you have the freedom to choose any shape and color, in accordance with your feelings.
Making from different materials
To draw a mandala, you will need paper, a pencil, a ruler and an eraser. You can paint the mandala in different colors using colored pencils, felt-tip pens, and watercolors. Some people prefer to use pre-printed forms that just need to be colored.
A mandala made of multi-colored threads is considered a good amulet. Depending on the meaning of the colors of the mandala, the one that most helps to bring closer the desired or tune in the right way is chosen.
In the manufacturing process, the mandala is charged with positive energy, which helps to come to harmony with the outside world. In this case, the characters play the same big role as the meaning of color. Making a mandala of threads is quite simple, you just need to choose the appropriate colors of the threads, preferably woolen, choose your favorite pattern and get to work.
Mandalas can be of different sizes and performed in different techniques. When deciding on a pattern, one should remember when weaving a mandala about the meaning of flowers.