Mandala: the science behind the art.

A Brief History…. Mandalas are found in ancient cultures all around the world. Derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘Manda’ meaning essence, adding the –la it becomes the container of the essence. It may be used for meditation in order to attain higher states of consciousness including the Supreme Consciousness. Our “third eye” is sometimes referred to as the “mandala of light”. It is the center of focus for human spirituality and the home for the highest level of creativity.

A Spiritual Tool…. In India the mandala was based on the Yogi spiritual science of sound and consciousness that represents connectedness and awareness(i.e.: Sri Yantra/Sri Chakra) In Tibet, geometric patterns symbolically map out the Universe from a human perspective. They are also used to call upon the deities for worship and most often used during meditation to focus and center the mind. The Native American traditional mandala- the Medicine Wheel or sacred hoop of life - is a symbol that represents a connection to the great spirit. “In Kabbalah a meditative practice called Sh’viteem uses Hebrew words, prayers, and/or names of God in special patterns to help focus ones attention toward the center – directing the pray-er toward that place within which to find connection.” – Jennifer Judelsohn, Songs of Creation

Mandalas are Macrocosm and Microcosm Mandalas are Macrocosm and Microcosm. They are galaxies, planets and stars. They are the patterns found in nature. They are a labyrinth that represents our inner journey or symbols for the energy portals in the human body known as the Chakras. Found in various world cultures as a Dreamcatcher, a calendar, a symbol for holy trinity. A spiral or even the atom may serve as a mandala.

Sri Yantra…. is an ancient mandala that represents energies of the universe. It becomes the material manifestation of the vibratory pattern of the mantra AUM, when chanted. Sometimes depicted in 3-D to represent the ascension from the material world up into the ethers.

Mandala Creation During the process of mandala creation, allow your instincts to guide you through the creative process. It is not a process that is filtered through the intellect (judgment), but a higher level of consciousness. Allow the divine light of the universe to filter through you like light is filtered through a prism. The whole of the cosmos are cultivated patterns of both sound and light that is experienced in life forms that are the true manifestations of the Supreme Consciousness By creating mandalas we are able to simulate the very creation of the Universe and constitute the distinction between self-serving thoughts and thoughts expressed through the divine light of our true selves. We are able to experience connectedness and healing by realizing our divine light within. A way to get in touch with your prism – polish it a bit so that more light may shine through and eventually your mandala practice will serve you greatly. It will reflect your heart and your soul, while creating awareness, balance, and connectedness.

Practice at Home Gather your materials (sheets of black paper and medium of choice: watercolors, colored pencils, soft pastels, gel pens; etc.) Set aside a sacred space. It may be an alter or table. Include objects of meaning or that represent your spiritual beliefs. If you do not have a spiritual practice or religious tradition, a simple candle will do. Also, include items from nature like rocks or crystals, feathers, flowers, etc. Create a healing intention – a sentence or just a word such as, healing, forgiveness, love, harmony, truth, integrity, grace, wisdom, peace, awareness, surrender, etc. Visualize your intentions melting into your heart, and that there is a divine light flowing from your heart and is completely surrounding you. Imagine that the loving light is flowing out of your hands, and overflowing into your materials. Honor your intentions by placing them in your sacred space and then begin your mandala practice with your intention in mind.

The Power of Community I am connected to all human beings The Power of Community I am connected to all human beings. We are working hand in hand, side by side, and creating the world. We are all of one origin. - By: Klaus Holitzka