“The original Sanskrit word mandala literally means “vital essence environment.” Its underlying idea is that our vital essence – call it mind, heart, soul, life energy – is really a field, infinitely interrelating with countless other fields of life in space and time.” – Tenzin Robert Thurman
There are several definitions that I have found for the word ‘Mandala’:
- Sacred essence cultivation sphere. Sacred essence here means nirvana, joy of release from suffering and bliss that kindly transforms suffering, the true nature of reality itself, as discovered and taught in our era by Shakyamuni Buddha.
- A doorway from the universe of suffering into the buddhaverse of bliss.
- A Sanskrit word that translated means circle, this is a more recognized definition of the word. The Mandala is the basis for all sacred geometry. The circle, circle in the square and many combinations there-of which include the Merkabah.
Sand mandala on blue background. Spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the Universe.
Mandalas can represent many aspects of life. While observing the mandala, they appear flat but in essence have a multi-dimensional and directional quality to them. One ‘enters’ into the mandala, there is a path, there is a way to all things positive & healing. The center lifts up and is surrounded by jewels, symbols, letters, days of the week, months of the year and more. There are doors to enter, there is wisdom to be expressed and cultivated. Traditional Mandalas are created in a sort of hologram in the Monks minds, they are versed and studied regarding the mathematical and meditative qualities of a Mandala.
A traditional Mandala includes the five directions (north, south, east, west, center), five elements (water, earth, fire, air, ether), five aggregates (matter, sensation, perception, volition, consciousness), five inner negativities (ignorance, anger, pride, desire, and jealousy) and their opposites, the five wisdoms of an enlightened mind. The colors (green, blue, yellow, red, white) of the sections follow the symbolism outlined in the yoga tantras, with blue in the east (where the meditator enters), yellow in the south, red in the west, and green in the north…All painted mandalas are a blueprint of a three-dimensional reality…The whole Mandala forms a kind of step pyramid, similar to those from Mesoamerica. It is a divine palace of jewels enclosed within a transparent bell-shaped structure.
Excerpt from https://rubinmuseum.org/spiral/the-mandala-a-guide-to-transformation
There are many interpretations and executions of contemporary mandalas. In my work, there is a center point from which other elements, whether it is color, imagery and/or geometry, emerge. These elements can pull the viewer in. It is a reciprocal act of engagement. A system of give and take, a system by which peace & knowledge is formulated and expressed. A way to elevate the mind and body.
While many contemporary mandalas are a repetition of form, such as a leaf or flower, there are many other mandalas that are quite unique. They may still have the premise of a tool for meditation, less like a coloring book and more like a work of art. Also, Zentangles which are not mandala’s but they have a similar affect. There is a meditative quality, a way to lose self, a way to bring one back to the center of being. They are hypnotic, absorbing and therapeutic which speaks to the healing qualities of mandalas.
Some traditional mandalas are painted on fabric, some are created in sand, that is very much like a powder. Once these ‘sand’ mandalas are completed, which takes days, they are destroyed and returned to a body of water such as a river which inevitably empties into the ocean. It is believed, by the monks, that each of those grains of sand has or holds the entire mandala in it.
Another aspect of contemporary Mandala’s is they may or may not be symmetrical. They create harmony and healing that emanates from within, culminating in a visual that can be returned to over and over with deeper and deeper realizations and questions. It serves a lifelong query into our existence on this plane. The viewer determines the depth of meditation and healing.
Some artists, who create contemporary Mandala’s, move off of the canvas so to speak and create installations that have great movement and encompass the space so as to encompass the viewer. This occurs when the work reaches out on a wall, ceiling or floor. The effect is different but the feeling or essence is the same.
The significance and value of a Mandala is infinite. What we glean from them is a personal journey of healing, wisdom, love and guidance, that I would like to invite you to partake in.
By France Garrido
While many contemporary mandalas are a repetition of form, such as a leaf or flower, there are many other mandalas that are quite unique. They may still have the premise of a tool for meditation, less like a coloring book and more like a work of art. Also, Zentangles which are not mandala’s but they have a similar affect. There is a meditative quality, a way to lose self, a way to bring one back to the center of being. They are hypnotic, absorbing and therapeutic which speaks to the healing qualities of mandalas.
Some traditional mandalas are painted on fabric, some are created in sand, that is very much like a powder. Once these ‘sand’ mandalas are completed, which takes days, they are destroyed and returned to a body of water such as a river which inevitably empties into the ocean. It is believed, by the monks, that each of those grains of sand has or holds the entire mandala in it.
Another aspect of contemporary Mandala’s is they may or may not be symmetrical. They create harmony and healing that emanates from within, culminating in a visual that can be returned to over and over with deeper and deeper realizations and questions. It serves a lifelong query into our existence on this plane. The viewer determines the depth of meditation and healing.
Some artists, who create contemporary Mandala’s, move off of the canvas so to speak and create installations that have great movement and encompass the space so as to encompass the viewer. This occurs when the work reaches out on a wall, ceiling or floor. The effect is different but the feeling or essence is the same.
The significance and value of a Mandala is infinite. What we glean from them is a personal journey of healing, wisdom, love and guidance, that I would like to invite you to partake in.
By France Garrido