Mandalas Mandala is the ancient Sanskrit word for “circle” or “center”. Mandalas are created within many cultures, and are believed to represent wholeness and harmony, the life cycle, the cosmos, and the visible world around us as well as the complex world inside of our minds.

Tibetan Sand MandalasTibetan monks create huge mandalas entirely out of colored sand. These mandalas are thought to be a map of the cosmos (universe). After they are finished, Tibetan sand mandalas are destroyed by tossing the sand into a river, symbolizing the impermanence of life, or the life and death cycle. Sometimes the process of making these mandalas is a ceremony (such as a healing ceremony).

Tibet is located between India and China.

Tibetan Sand Mandala: Notice the many values of color used

Navajo Sand PaintingsNative Americans also create sand mandalas, and often the creation of these mandalas is part of a ceremony. The Navajo believe that sandpaintings help restore “hozho,” which means “beauty”, “blessing”, “holy”, and “harmony.” Navajo medicine men (or women) create sandpaintings in ceremonies designed to heal and to restore “hozho” to those who have lost it.

Radial Symmetry• Designs radiate out

from the center in a symmetrical, balanced pattern

• Radiating shapes and lines can be organic and/or geometric

• The design is unified, creating a sense of harmony

Celtic Designs--IrelandThe inter-twining knot patterns of Ireland represent the complexity of the mind, as well as eternity.

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Mandala Design Ideas

Celtic Knot Patterns (Ireland)

Native American Symbols & Designs