What is a mandala?

The word “Mandala,” is a Sanskrit word which means "sacred circle." A more literal translation might read "container of essences."  As an art form, the mandala provides a concrete symbol of the artist's absorption into a sacred center. It is meant to draw both the artist and the viewer into an encounter with the "center" or as the Navajo call it, "a spiritual place of emergence." 

Mandalas are most often circular, though some are square, or a combination of the two. They incorporate the use of colors, shapes, symbols, symmetry and repetition to aid in ordering and focusing one's life, and therefore facilitate healing. By focusing on it, both mandala artist and meditator can open to the divine energy of the Creator, and to the contents of his or her own spiritual and psychological self. They are used as healing and transforming art in Native American sand painting, Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist rituals, and modern psychotherapy.

Mandalas are a particularly effective tool for healing, or for creating positive energy, because not only are they beautiful, they incorporate bright colors, shapes, and rich symbolism. In addition to this already powerful synergy, the repetition of designs, and the symmetry draws the viewer to the centre, which is symbolic of the path of self discovery and the goal of enlightenment.

About these Mandalas:

I created these Mandalas using a number of different graphics programs to slice up digital images of my art, which I then  reassembled into circular  patterns - or mandalas. The project began, as many of my projects often do, with a simple experiment. The process was so interesting, the results so astonishingly fascinating, that I found it impossible to quit with a "reasonable" amount of images. By the time I had created well over 100 different mandalas, it really did begin to feel as if I was in the grip of "mandala madness". The images themselves pull me into a meditative and healing space, and I do hope they have a similar effect on you, the viewer.

See the Mandala Art Gallery

Mandala Meditations.

We have created 3 special Mandala Meditations for your enjoyment.

	These are our favorite ones. We love the special effects.
	No special effects with this one. It includes one of my favorite poems by Hafiz.

A mandala meditation you can do at home:

To begin your meditation select a quiet time and sit with a straight back on a cushion on the floor in front of a low table, with a lighted candle and incense if you desire.

Alternately, sit in a chair and place your candle and incense on a regular table. Either way, have your mandala in front of you at eye level - on the table or behind it on the wall.

Fold your hands in your lap or place them palms up on your thighs. Begin with a prayer and then set your intention of using this time of meditation and contemplation to move into a place of spiritual centeredness.

I like the phrase "Toward the One."

Next, for the reflective portion of your meditation just sit quietly, eyes open, gazing at the mandala. If you find your eyes wandering gently bring them back to the mandala. If you find your eyes watering, or feeling heavy, allow them to close while keeping a mental image of the mandala in your mind. If your thoughts wander, gently bring them back. Maintain this quiet time for about 10 or 15 minutes. Allow yourself to enjoy the experience.

Now, close your eyes. If your eyes are already closed, open them and look at the mandala once again, and then close your eyes. Conclude your meditation with thoughts, affirmations or prayers for personal and world peace.

Meditating regularly over a period of time brings spiritual discipline, and produces ever longer stretches of centeredness and peace.

Go to the Mandala Gallery and find an image for your home.

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