A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols with a very different application. The word mandala is a Sanskrit term that means “circle” or “discoid object”. Mandalas were created in the service of one of the world's great religions, Buddhism. They were produced in Tibet, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, and Indonesia and date from the 4th century to present.
A mandala can be defined in two ways: externally as a schematic visual representation of the universe and internally as a guide for several psychophysical practices that take place in many Asian traditions, including meditation. In modern, typically American and European use, "mandala" has become a generic term for any circle ornament which can be used as a relaxing tool, for diagnostic or in art therapy. It is this process of creating round, symmetrical images that is beneficial from healing perspective.
The mandala represents an imaginary palace that is contemplated during meditation. Each object in the palace has significance, representing an aspect of wisdom or reminding the meditator of a guiding principle. The circular designs symbolizes the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected. The mandala also represents spiritual journey within the individual viewer. The mandala's purpose is to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened ones and to assist with healing. This spiritual circle will help promote mindfulness, focus attention and promote healing.
Carl Jung described a mandala as “a representation of the unconscious self”. The act of creating a mandala represents the transformation of the universe from a reality of suffering to one of enlightenment. There are several types of mandalas, the three most common: the teaching, healing, and sand mandalas. While the first two types are designated by their purpose, sand mandalas are unique in that their meaning lies in both their creation and destruction. The destruction of the mandala serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life. The coloured sand is swept up into an urn and dispersed into flowing water - a way of extending the healing powers to the whole world.
Tibetan Buddhists see the center of the mandala as an awakened being at the center of the universe, the center also represents the beginning of each person's journey toward knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. It is true that by just sitting and dedicating some time to draw one or color a ready example, we get out from the process with more clear mind, our body and spirit relax and we feel that they really hold a secret. It's usually just a snapping thought before we dive back in our busy life. But if we just succeed to prolonge this peaceful moment with few seconds more, we will realise this is not just something to 'kill' the time or childish activity. It might seems too easy and simple to hold the key to more enlightened oneself, but the simplicity is a powerful tool that holds much more than we could see at first glance. And it might be easy and simple, but for most of us would be real challenge for our patience not to give up and finish at least one.
Give it a try !
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