Mandala is the Sanskrit for ‘circle’ or ‘completion’. When somebody creates a mandala it becomes a window for exploring one’s inner self.
It is a container for the introduction of allowing reflection, and the process of creating is a form of meditation in itself. It is a stress relieving exercise that is quick and simple to do and can be used as a focus for further meditation. The mandala is a symbol for the universe and gives us a sense of belonging as we examine our own connection within. It is used for insight, healing and self-expression in a circular design, reflecting the wholeness of the person creating it.
We can look to nature to witness forms of organic mandalas, from flowers, the rings inside of a tree trunk, a pebble thrown into a pond, sea shells and snails. Where there is a central starting point allowing for a circular pattern to emerge it is, in essence, the beginning and the end of a mandala. It is evidence of the ‘circle’ or the ‘completion’, promoting peace and balance.
Mandalas allow the creator to capture true self-expression. It is both therapeutic and symbolic. Art therapy is not about the end result but the process of achieving it. It is this process of creating round, symmetrical images that is beneficial from a healing perspective. This spiritual circle will help promote mindfulness, focus attention and promote healing.
Carl Jung described a mandala as “a representation of the unconscious self”. He spent years creating mandala paintings and sketches that he felt depicted representations of his inner self. His book, simply called “Red Book” is a compilation of these expressions, offering us a glimpse into the unification of opposites within his own existence. It is within the unconscious that the soul and spirit resides. Kellog (1967) researched and documented children from as young as two years of age progress from drawing squiggles to circles without any teaching or intervention from adults. They spontaneously create suns, flowers, mandalas and heads with arms and legs radiating from these circles. It can be determined that the suggestion of drawing mandalas becomes crucial for the development of the child’s self is of a sound basis.
Zendalas incorporate the principles of mandalas, using tangles (patterns) – they are often used by younger children as an introduction to the concept of mandalas as they can be segmented and filled with easy to draw patterns. Zendalas and Mandalas are snapshots of our emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing leading to a more meaningful and authentic life.
One doesn’t have to be an accomplished artist in order to create a mandala and yet many people are put off making one, as they appear very complicated. However, they are actually extremely easy to do. Even though it is a complex design, that does not mean it is difficult to accomplish. It is less about artistic merit and more about slowing down, centering oneself and allowing the creative and intuitive flow to occur. It is a circular form beginning with a central point. The design process can be inspirational and therapeutic so it is important to honour the process and not become overwhelmed by the image making. It is a form of guided meditation and with this in mind, the symbols, shapes and forms will emanate from the central dot. The key is to take one’s time and try to keep it as uniform in size as is possible. The more manadalas that the person makes, the more proficient they will become at creating them.
Personally, I create mandalas and zendalas whilst listening to Reiki meditation music, as it is an act of deliberate conscious thought as I endeavour to connect with my unconscious mind. Examples of how to create them are easily accessed via youtube.
- Allow for about 30 minutes to one hour for the creation process.
- Take a few moments to breathe deeply to allow you to become centred.
- Simply start off with a dot! It is repetitive and reflective as they contain both geometric and organic forms and that is all that has to be considered. They can be an abstract or personal image that may resonate with the creator.
- Draw a cross through the dot to create 4 quadrants and then again to create 8 equal segments. This helps keep the pattern uniform when drawing. If doing a zendala simply draw around a plate or saucer and then segment the circle randomly ready to be filled with patterns in each segment.
- Once you have created your dot, meditate on the circle to quieten yourself and connect with your inner self.
- Ensure you are sitting in a comfortable position and enjoy this spiritual practice to aid your personal evolution in whatever area of your life you feel will benefit you.
- Once you have completed your mandala, you may want to preserve it for future meditation reference. The mandala you have created is a representation of your inner self and using it as a focal point may aid in you gaining an understanding of this sacred space as you meditate.
Creating a mandala or zendala is self-soothing and very relaxing. They can be done in any medium and colour. They can be permanent or temporary such as the Tibetan coloured sand mandalas. Once completed these intricate, beautiful designs are swept away as an expression of completion, an intention satisfied or a lesson understood. The sand is then ceremoniously deposited into running water. In fact, making an organic circle from natural materials is a hugely therapeutic and meditative experience. It affords an opportunity to truly meet oneself, which is why these therapeutic tools are used by many across the world. It transcends all religions and cultures, as they are a representation of life, as we know it.
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