ART (OTHER FORMS) > MANDALA PAINTING

A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols. It is a complex abstract design that is usually circular in form. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. In New Age, the mandala is a diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a time-microcosm of the universe, but it originally meant to represent wholeness and a model for the organizational structure of life itself, a cosmic diagram that shows the relation to the infinite and the world that extends beyond and within minds and bodies. The mandala is a centering space for the self and the soul an art therapy tool for making order out of disorder. Nearly every culture uses mandalas or circular image in their cultural or spiritual practices. It represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds. Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. Our earth is also a mandala. There are Mandalas in nature and man-made design everywhere we look. Once you start to notice them you will see them everywhere. Mandala art is ancient more than 2,000 years old! Mandalas are incredibly versatile and can personify any number of meanings for the viewer. Sometimes words are not enough to express what we know deep within our core being. Mandala art can give us that access and expand our self-awareness. Our emotions sometime throw us into chaos and nothing makes sense. At these times, we often need to find a center amid the confusion, a way to pull together the scattered parts of life and find order.