Mandalas

Visual Art Program

Design from Around the World

World Mandalas

Visual Art Program

Design from Around the World

World Mandalas

• What is a mandala?• A sacred circle a symbol

of wholeness from Hindu Sanskrit, classical language of India means “sacred center” or “circle” also “essence container”

• Primarily circular, sometimes circles or triangles within squares and are symmetrical and draw the eye to the center.

World Mandalas

• The Universe as a Mandala

• This majestic spiral galaxy is a cosmic mandala that mirrors earthly spirals of organic growth.

World Mandalas

• The Mandala maker called Nature:

• Magnified crystals of Vitamin C reveal a spectacular natural mandala.

• Other examples of mother natures mandalas include a rose, snowflake, and pebble dropped in water.

Hindu Mandalas (yantras)

• Are used for meditation – in the center is a deity (god) – the goal of the mediation is to merge with the deity at the center of the mandala.

Buddhist Mandalas

• Are used for an offering, a ritual or meditation. The purpose of the mandala is to help the practitioner attain enlightenment

Christian Mandalas

• Found in rose or stained glass windows in churches allow viewers an educational, emotional and spiritual experiences.

Celtic Mandalas

• Reflect Celtic beliefs in the interconnection of living things and the continuity of all life.

Native American Mandalas

• Reflect the belief in the cyclical rhythms of the living spirit of all beings found in nature. Medicine wheels and sand painting are used for healing.