Hello dear friends!
The image of the Universe with the help of a symbol is called the beautiful word mandala. All its parts are compared with the main laws of Buddhist teachings. Today, there are many varieties and ways to create a sacred symbol: drawing, weaving, creating three-dimensional models, constructing from colored sand and other natural elements.
Mandala is a valuable tool for developing the positive qualities of a person, his strength and energy. Thanks to her influence, people find themselves. The word "mandala" began to refer to establishments, spas, magazines, and even give names to their children. It meant one thing, the term literally took root in the culture!
Around the world, Tibetan monks are building extraordinary sand mandalas, placing the symbols in museums. Thus, they acquaint visitors from different parts of the world with the amazing cultural heritage of Tibet. But what does this mysterious symbol really mean?
What is a mandala? The Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung, a student of Freud's grandfather himself, discovered the term "mandala" at the beginning of the 20th century as a unique method for studying the unconscious in psychoanalysis.
In the course of his work, he systematically kept diaries, writing down his conclusions, and even his own immersion in sleep. Moreover, in addition to reasoning in verbal form, his notebooks were painted with amazingly beautiful circles. Over time, he came to the conclusion that the mandala is nothing but a complete reflection of spiritual harmony.
It can be called the most powerful energy matrix, and not a simple outer circle, with a square inscribed in it and already an inner circle, which often has the shape of a lotus or tends to it.
This is something more, having a colossal charge of energy that is given to a person for use. If we translate the meaning of the term from Sanskrit, then the term will be read as "circle" or "disk". But what meaning for a person havesacred symbols?
Meaning of symbols
With the help of the subconscious, you can easily correct reality, attitude and perception of yourself in space. Mandala is exactly what will allow you to work with the silent part of your personality, having established communication with the inner "I".
Experienced professionals can easily "read" the state of mind, simply by looking at your drawing. Understanding the meaning of each symbol, you can attract the most positive aspects, requisitions, into your world.
Where and why is the mandala used
Harmonization of self and space
You can learn how to weave a mandala from threads on your own. With this technique, the threads will begin to form unique patterns of squares and circles, thereby charging the space. What is the role of the braided mandala in your home? Everything is simple! She will let the energy of space pass through herself, harmonize it and align it.
This will help you find peace of mind, both at the time of its creation and after. Thoughts will come in order, mood will improve, and pressing problems will seem less serious.
Moreover, you can draw and weave sacred symbols for other people or family members. And by choosing specific colors when creating, you can charge a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe life of a loved one.
Healing through self-training
From the drawing that a person has created, one can understand his feelings and the degree of anxiety. And if you manage to get carried away with the creation process, then the benefits will be more than noticeable.
But if you approach drawing a mandala through coloring "antistress”, where you need to add colors to an already created black and white drawing,then you will notice how the thoughts align. At this moment it happens healing from psychological disorders.
Imagine that this is the process of recovery. Visualize the images, charging the symbol for the restoration of the body, moreover, with its help you can, for the daily use of the whole family!
Therapy
Art therapy with the help of a wicker or painted mandala is used as an effective tool for psychoanalysis not only in adults, but also in children. In this way, you can "see" the child's real fears, feelings or tendencies and help him overcome them.
meditation
Mandala patterns are used for meditation , as a quick way to go into a meditative, trance state. But most importantly, before doing a practical lesson, you need to mentally formulate and ask a question that haunts.
Place the mandala at eye level and with unfocused vision, try to examine the patterns. In the process of "flight" you can keep your eyes open, sliding along the curves and lines, or you can close them, enjoying the images that pop up in the subconscious.
They help find answers, stimulatedevelopment of intuition, make a person experience a genuine state and weightlessness. You can also create a mandala that fully reflects the traditional representation of the human chakras.
Thanks to this, the individual will work out the energy centers at the mental level of perception.
But how to create a symbol with your own hands? What is needed for this?
How to draw a sacred symbol
You need a blank sheet of paper and a set of paints, crayons or pencils. Meditative music and works great in the process. Listen to yourself and draw a large circle in the center of the sheet (for example, you can circle the plate). Draw something in its center, choosing one or two colors.
The inner voice will tell you what symbols and lines should be in the drawing. Do this with concentration, but without straining your mind. Fill the space of the sphere with animals, triangles, signs, figures.
After that, try to decipher the meaning of the "space map". Get to know your subconscious mind systematically by drawing every other day for 7 days. Then, analyze your personal progress. Has the internal state changed, has harmony returned?
That's all! Share your impressions and transcripts in the comments, and of course psubscribe to updates, there is a lot of interesting things ahead!
See you on the blog, bye bye!
For thousands of years, people have not come up with anything to strengthen their health, heal their soul and body. Recently, art therapy has become increasingly popular - a simple and effective way of healing. One of these most effective and powerful forms is mandala therapy.
What could be better and more pleasant than to completely surrender to the process of creativity, plunge into it with your head, and in return receive not only a lot of positive, but also be filled with the healing energy of sacred circles! The healing power of mandala drawing has been used in many cultures of the East for a long time.
If you have been on the road to recovery for a long time or cannot overcome an illness for a long time, if you suffer from depression, insomnia, pick up pencils, paints, paper without the slightest doubt and act.
The result will not be long in coming: after a couple of weeks of regular practice, you will be pleasantly surprised - this is verified!
What is a mandala drawing?
The mandala is a symbol of the wheel of life, the cosmic processes of existence. The surrounding nature is diverse with mandalas: a lacy cobweb, annual tree rings, bird nests, a sunflower flower with mature seeds arranged in a counterclockwise spiral.
Mandala drawing is the creation of an individual sacred symbol in the form of a circle that reflects our inner self. In the process of work, internal conflicts are resolved, tension is relieved. Mandala is a unique tool for self-development and self-knowledge, which allows you to solve important problems.
Mandalotherapy pulls negative emotions out, heals, resolves internal conflicts. But it is precisely negative energy that takes away a lot of vitality from us: a person begins to get sick, weaken.
These are powerful techniques for self-healing. With this therapy, tears appear in the eyes. The subconscious mind releases the accumulated pain.
It is very important in the process of drawing not to forget about even, calm breathing and to observe your body. It can give signals (cold, heat, pain) about where the problem lurks.
In a stressful situation, you can also use a drawing that will allow emotions to pour out - keep paper blanks with you.
It is useful to draw the same mandala every day and then observe the dynamics - what has changed in it.
Create your own mandala drawing
For drawing, choose a larger sheet, for example, A3 format, so that you can safely go beyond the boundaries of the circle. Draw a circle with a simple pencil. You can, for example, circle a large plate with a diameter of 27 cm. At least 3 cm should remain from each edge of the sheet to the circumference.
Find a central point in the circle that would give you a sense of balance. This will help you reach a steady state. Remember those natural forms that develop from the center, for example, about flowers, snowflakes, sea shells.
You are part of nature and you have a center from which you can grow and develop. Start drawing from this center, depicting a certain figure of one color or another, and let the composition build itself, as if without your direct participation. Trust the unconscious - let it choose the color, shape, location.
With the help of this drawing, you can learn a lot about yourself: when you finish the drawing, you can read your mandala using the meaning of the symbols.
Consider your work at arm's length or a little further. Answer the questions: how do you feel now? How did you feel before painting? How has your condition changed? What feelings does your mandala drawing evoke?
Remember that there is no right or wrong mandala, it is what it is. It reflects your current state. You can contemplate the finished work 10-15 minutes a day in a calm relaxed atmosphere. You need to start from the center and unwind your gaze in a spiral. Try to turn off your brain.
You can say to yourself:
“I want to get the funds that I need to solve this problem. Help me and give me these opportunities."
Numbers in a mandala pattern
Meaning of numbers
1 - individuality, unity and beginning. Can mean a high level of self-esteem.
2 - conveys a state of tension, separation and conflict. If we look at the number 2 as a sacred union of opposites, then it becomes a healing connection, heralding the return of harmony.
3 - vitality, energy. It can symbolize the unity of the family that appears with the birth of a child.
4 - speaks of balance, integrity and completeness.
5 - mandalas, characterized by a five, can open you to the real world, show a sincere desire to give it a piece of yourself.
6 is the number of creativity, perfection and balance. When six appears in your work, you may be in the final stages of some project that required a lot of time and energy. Perhaps you are experiencing a pause during which you can enjoy a sense of satisfaction, completeness, and even pride.
7 - can talk about the completion of a certain phase of life, about a matter that has come to its resolution, or about a wish that has come true. The number seven carries its divine past into our mandalas, where it brings good luck on the path of finding oneself.
8 - the number of stability, harmony, rebirth. You may find that eight in your mandalas portends important changes in life.
9 - can herald the presence of benevolent spiritual energies that will strengthen your desire for personal growth.
10 - expresses your adherence to traditional moral standards or rebellion against them, shows spiritual inspiration, a sense of balance or a practical approach to life.
11 - It is possible that in your mandala the number 11 reflects a conflict that turns into a process that moves you towards a fuller realization of who you really are.
12 - can draw attention to the passage of time and the completion of the cycle. For example, when you complete a project, end a relationship, or close an unfinished business from the past.
13 - When you see thirteen in your drawings, it may be a sign that you have moved into a new phase of life. Thirteen may be saying that the weight of the past is blocking a new direction, especially when you haven't finished what happened before.
Symbolism in mandala drawings
The outer border is represented by a colored line, which is a favorable sign. In the absence of such a boundary, one can assume the loss of mental integrity, since the mandala characterizes the "I" of its author. At the same time, what is outside the circle is associated with the external environment in relation to the personality. If the outer border of the mandala is dense, one can assume the desire to protect one's fragile "I".
Extensive unpainted space indicates the desire of the author of the drawing to hide or suppress his feelings. In combination with a slightly noticeable outer border of the circle, it indicates a readiness for contacts.
The size of the center of the picture: small - indicates reduced self-esteem; completely absent - it is possible that the work characterizes the ego of the author.
Embryo. If the image in the center looks like or resembles an embryo, this may indicate a person's inability to cope with stress. Often a drawing with an embryo is drawn by alcoholics, which reflects their increased vulnerability and weak character. Often, when depicting an embryo, winding lines are used.
Square - in the middle can correspond to the imagination of a garden or yard. One should ask oneself whether it is closed or open. If the entrance to the "garden" or "courtyard" is closed, perhaps the author is experiencing stress or wants to leave stable feelings, sensations. A cube, a square is always something material, physical, this is how the earth is designated. If the square is orange, the person is trying to resist the pressure that is being exerted on him from the outside. If a square has an "entrance" and an "exit", it can be regarded as a door and gate through which energy passes.
Triangle - indicates movement. The top up is a sign of activity, the desire to protect oneself, one's interests. Top down - movement down to the earth, perhaps even to death and destruction.
Eye - associated with the ability to know - to understand. It can mean supernatural ability - clairvoyance. The presence of many eyes in the drawing can have both positive and negative meanings: it can mean the feeling of the presence of an observer behind a person from the side, the feeling that others are looking at you. Then it is worth considering what these eyes see in a person, and then compare it with reality.
Flowers - can be harbingers of spring, revealing a revival or acceleration in the cycles of personal growth. They can mean the fulfillment of a goal or task that required more diligence on your part.
Heart (symbol of love), means a feeling of love or falling in love. And spiritual zeal. In both personal and spiritual love, a heart pierced by an arrow means devotion, despite the conditions of trial.
Heart - associated with courage, sadness, joy. Hearts can talk about wounds and suffering, especially if they are purple; broken, pierced by an arrow, more often symbolize unrequited love, but may indicate the process of separation from the mother and the suffering associated with this.
Spiral - speaks of the desire for growth and integrity. Sometimes it can mean awakening, acceleration of energy.
Drops - associated with human tears arising from sadness, anger, joy, release from emotions too strong to keep them in oneself. Like rain, cleansed tears wash away sorrow, anger, rage, making room for forgiveness. Four drops means that there is something in your environment that seems to interfere with your full potential.
If the drops are red, purple, this is a sign that you have to make some kind of sacrifice. Mandalas containing forms resembling drops of rain or blood are evidence of signs of a natural internal process of purification.
Small circles inside the drawing can protect, protect or release some aspects of the "I". Sometimes the circles intersect, overlap each other, forming an almond-shaped shape (mandorla). Mandorla appears in mandalas when a person experiences a state of grace. A mandala with an empty center suggests that the person is ready for change.
Cross. The combination of horizontal and vertical lines resembles the shape of a human body in perfect balance. Or expresses life's difficulties. The desire to depict a cross indicates that a person is waging a heroic battle. Maybe he is fighting to make the right decision or embarking on a new path.
Star - resembles a person standing firmly on two legs. The appearance of an asterisk in a drawing indicates the ability to realize inspiration in reality. Countless little stars speak of potential competing targets.
Lightning - symbolizes the beginning of a new, powerful spiritual awakening. As you draw lightning, consider if you are experiencing some kind of dramatic change.
Hands can mean a willingness to actively engage with one's life or the health of the body.
Colors in a mandala pattern
Each color has both a positive and a negative meaning, depending on the context where it is used (in this case, we will decipher the finished mandala that we draw).
Black. And it is associated with the denial of life - with destruction. On the other hand, it is a psychological death that precedes a new life. Predilection for black can indicate rationalism, clarity, brevity, conciseness.
Grey . People who prefer gray color tend to have common sense, a sense of proportion and the ability to solve complex problems. In a negative sense, gray can be associated with sadness, depression, illness, and a tendency to criticize. If you give preference to light gray tones, then it can be assumed that the person is ready for a complete and adequate response to the stimulus, dark gray is characterized by increased sensitivity.
White . considered the color of purification and divinity. Able to become a great healing color, as it contains the energy and power of transformation. It has a tonic effect on the human body. Anyone who prefers white (unshaded areas) needs to be freed from unpleasant circumstances.
Yellow . Bright yellow color indicates high intelligence and strong character. Unlike orange, yellow is associated with healthy self-assertion. Light yellow reflects a clear mind and curiosity. He often testifies to a good relationship with his father. Tonic color.
Orange - indicates a strong emotional dependence on a man, which can manifest itself in both a feeling of love and a feeling of hatred. What is said positively about yellow is also true for orange, but to a higher degree. The orange sun may indicate a state of latent aggression in children.
Red - associated with male manifestations and physiology, the ability to defend one's interests. If there is a lot of this color, it may indicate anger and the need to take revenge on someone. Red with black indicates aggression. It is impossible to exclude the presence of problems associated with various prohibitions, as well as blood diseases. This color testifies to the ability to protect one's interests, to defend one's "I". The constant absence of red can indicate passivity, and a lack of ability to get your way.
Pink is the color of reconciliation, it is good in critical situations. A lot of pink indicates emotional fragility and insecurity, the need for protection.
Blue - is associated with the place where a person feels protected and free from any obligations. In women's mandalas, this color indicates a positive attitude towards oneself. If the color is used in large quantities by a man, this may indicate some passivity.
Blue . Indicates intuitive abilities (especially dark blue). A lot of blue signals a state of anxiety and depression.
Green - indicates the ability to take care of others, about yourself. The absence of this color may indicate increased nervousness, excitability, irritability.
Brown - expresses vital bodily-sensory relationships. Gloomy, dull brown speaks of experiencing a conflict situation. Brown can also be a sign of great potential. If this color is slightly in the center of the picture, then this may indicate a low self-esteem of the author.
Mandalas for coloring download
Conclusion: a mandala drawing is a living cell with a unique structure and consciousness.
Best regards, Olga.
Very interesting and deep topic "Mandala". Starting to study it, first of all, it is necessary to understand the concept of "Mandala » .
What does "mandala" mean?
Here are some interpretations of this term.
Mandala is a sacred schematic image or design used in Buddhist and Hindu religious practices.
Mandalas are symbols for meditation with an ornamental pattern, most often including the shapes of a circle, triangle, square, lotus petals. When focusing on them, due to a special structure, a corresponding adjustment of consciousness occurs, which contributes to the discovery of certain abilities of a person or the awareness of the basic elements of the universe that cannot be transmitted with the help of logic, which can serve to comprehend a whole range of truths arising from them.
mandalas- These are special sacred drawings, which are a kind of visual prayer.
A mandala is a geometric symbol of a complex structure, which is interpreted as a model of the universe, a "map of the cosmos".
Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle, center, polygon, unity. Translated from Tibetan means the center of the circle with the outer walls and the environment. Traditionally, it is denoted by a circle - a symbol of space and nature, and a square - a symbol of the Earth and the world created by man.
The mandala is a symbol of the wheel of life and death, cosmic processes of existence, planets and stars, earthly seasons and galactic cycles. It is a manifestation of a certain field.
However, the etymology of the word "mandala" suggests not only a "circle", but also a container of essence.
The mandala represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model of the structure of life itself - a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our connection to the infinite world that extends both outside and inside our bodies and minds.
Describing both material and spiritual reality, the mandala manifests itself in all aspects of human life: in the heavenly circles called the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and in the conceptual circles: friends, family, society.
The mandala is an integrated view of the world. Awareness of the mandala contributes to changes in our views on ourselves, our planet, the structure of the universe and, as a result, can change our whole life and our purpose in life.
Simply put, the mandala is a sacred geometric figure that represents the universe.
When the mandala is completed, it becomes a sacred area that serves as a source of spirituality and a place of power. Concentrating on the mandala, a person is guided through the cosmos to the essence of reality.
“It is well known that in tactical terms, a square or a circle are the best means of defense against a stronger enemy. What has been said is enough to explain the meaning of the mandala or some other of the infinite symbols based on the concept of a presynct or protection of a certain space identified with the individual.
Circle dances - such as the May Day tree dance in England, or the Sardana dance in Catalonia - or round stones (once known as cromlechs - Celtic structures of the Bronze Age), or symbols depicting a fence or forming a circle of people - they all have the same symbolic meaning, the general concept of self-defense, as defined by A. van Schelt in "Documents VII" (Paris, 1930).Mandala. This is a symbolic diagram, usually a circle bounded by a square with a central symbol in the center, which can also be a drawing. Shows the way of being and the system on which meditative visualization is based. The mandala is also imago mundi, the limitation of sacred space and penetration into the sacred center, fullness, microcosm, cosmic mind, integration. Qualitatively, the mandala personifies the spirit, quantitatively - being. The alternating squares symbolize the dualistic and, at the same time, complementary principles of the universe, and in general, the replayed cosmic drama and the wanderings of the soul. It is also a symbol of the universal spirit and a ritual diagrammatic form of Purusha. In addition, the mandala symbolizes the center of power, an area protected from enemy influences. The center of the madala is the Sun or Heavenly Door and symbolizes the entrance to Heaven. The Hindu temple is built in the form of a mandala, which symbolizes the different levels of the universe, each of which has its own gate, or door, to the four cardinal points. Groups of five images represent four points located around the center - "the ego surrounds itself in space and time." These five points symbolize the five elements of the human personality, the five Buddhas, the five "kinds", which are reflected in the five faces of Shiva, the west is white, Sadyojata, the north is yellow, Vamedev; south - black, Aghora; east - red, Tatpurusha; the center is green, the face of Isan (creative power) This is also the five spiritual knowledge, which symbolizes the five Tathagatas. Vairocana (Brilliant) - knowledge, reflecting archetypes, center, wheel, white as in a mirror; Akshobhya (Imperturbable) - primordial consciousness, unity, vajra, east, blue; Ratnasambhava (Precious-born)
Knowledge of the fundamental unity of things, jewel, south, yellow, Amitabha (Boundless Light)
Knowledge of the One Being, lotus, west, red; Amoghasiddhi (Infallible Success) - knowledge of both strength and action, sword, north, green Demons (Vaghna) in the mandala symbolize the hostile, threatening aspect of psychic and passionate forces that prevent a person from advancing towards the light Mandala, built as 8 × 8 squares, means a heavenly world built on earth; like 9x9 squares - expanding and shrinking universe
A meditative image of a mandala, which should make it easier to focus on the divine essence of the soul, which is inaccessible to consciousness.
Journey to I
Mandala (translated from Sanskrit sacred is a cosmogram, a geometric projection of the Universe. It represents the Universe not only as an inert outer space, but also as a rotation in time; both dynamics and statics are considered
- Mana is a supernatural arcane power.
here as a life process "developing from the basic principle (beginning)" revolving around the central axis, Mount Sumeru, axis mundi, on the top of which the sun rests, and the base goes into the mystical underground depths.
We find here the symbolism of the Babylonian zik-kurat *, the Chinese imperial, as well as the Iranian city, images of the world, in the center of which a person merges with the universal forces, the psychic energy of which he assimilates.
O Mandala serves as a visual support for meditation, necessary for initiation into various tantric cycles. Applied to the ground with the help of rice powder or multi-colored sand, or on a silk cloth, its design obeys the same rules. Every detail has a symbolic meaning and helps the meditator in his effort to concentrate, directing the emotional and mental currents towards the spiritual perspective, bringing them closer and closer to the center of the individual, to his true Self.
O Mandala consists of a square, which is inscribed in a circle, divided into three parts. The outer, fiery circle of the mandala (or fiery mountain), consisting of five colors, is a barrier for the uninitiated, symbolizing the elements and knowledge, which should burn ignorance and lead the meditator to the desired knowledge.
The second circle is a diamond belt, or vaira, a symbol of higher knowledge, bodhi - a state of enlightenment, which, once experienced, remains unchanged, like a diamond.
The third circle is represented by a belt of lotus petals and symbolizes a state of purity that favors the harmonious flow of meditation. Inside it is drawn a mandala - or palace, a square divided into four triangles, on each side of which there is a ledge depicting a door leading to one of the hundred
- Zshskurat - a giant tower in the Chaldean and Babylonian temples. - Note. perse.
ron of light, guarded by four cosmic guardians and adorned with a half pearl.
The perimeter of the square, which is a wall, is painted in five primary colors.
The center of the mandala is identified with Mount Meru - the axis of the world. It is surrounded by a circle of vaira and looks like a lotus flower with eight petals, in the center of which there is an object of veneration - a deity, its attribute or symbol. The bud dissipates the radiant emanations of the buddhas or their symbols, which originate from the rays of the Void.
The meditator must catch the mystical connection between the elements of the earthly world and the divine, gradually master the parts of the mandala. Passing to the central figure, the symbol of the absolute, he is identified with the divine spectacle and acquires the integrity of consciousness. O Hindus give life to these diagrams (as well as statues of deities) before performing in front of them the cult rite of Pranaprtishtha, the purpose of which is to transmit the energy of the adept to an inanimate object through psychic fluids.
О Exact copies of the mandala, images on the sand of the Pueblos and Navajos Indians perform redemptive, healing and magical functions. Inflicted with the help of sand of symbolic colors, saturated with cosmic energy and supernatural power, crushed stones, chalk, coal, ocher, etc., containing mythical figures arranged according to the cardinal points, pictorial symbols of sacred elements (sun, moon, lightning, rainbow, stars, lakes, clouds, birds, etc.)” mandalas are surrounded by a protective rainbow. О The same symbolic function is performed by the mosaics of colored powder used by the Hopi Indians in initiation rites: one of them embodies the sun emitting rays, feathered like arrows; a piece of quartz covered with feathers and placed in the center of the diagram represents the heart of the sun.
These symbolic figures, a kind of written rites, laid the foundation for carpets, embroidery, acting as a talisman; they originally served as the main object of magical rituals. A A principle similar to the principle of the mandala underlies the construction of temples: at the very entrance, the believer enters a sacred place where the sacrament is performed. By his appearance in the holy of holies, according to the prescribed rules, he joins the Universe and, when he enters the mystical center of the sacred temple, he is transfigured and merged into one whole with the primary Unity, the secret principle of his own life, his own mystical essence, the enlightened beginning of his own consciousness, which radiates his mental abilities and abilities. A Adepts of some tantric schools resort to the internalization of the mandala: mental visualization or bodily identification with the mandala through the enlivening of the chakras, the points of intersection of the cosmic and mental life of the individual, is equivalent to penetration into the center of the mandala.
A geometric composition that symbolizes the spiritual, cosmic or psychic order Although the Buddhist mandala is known mainly as a tool in meditation practice, it was in ancient times. both in Buddhism and Hinduism, it was also a symbol of initiation, oriented believers to sacred places Mandala - an attempt to depict the highest reality - Spiritual Wholeness, which surpasses the sensory world. In Sanskrit, "mandala" means "circle", and even when this geometric composition is based on squares or triangles, it still has a concentric structure. It symbolizes the desire for the spiritual center, mental and physical, which is reflected in the structure of many temples and stupas in the form of a mandala.
A striking feature of all mandalas is the high pictorial harmony of its constituent elements, symbolizing the divine harmony itself, opposed to the confusion and disorder of the material world. Jung believed that the mandala is an archetypal symbol of a person's longing for psychological interaction with other people.
Other researchers believed that the mandala is a visual expression of a spiritual journey beyond one's own self. The meanings of different mandalas are different; some have figurative elements that are meant to symbolize certain qualities, such as those represented by specific bodhisattvas, often seated in a lotus flower. Nevertheless, the overall meaning of the composition remains unchanged and symbolizes the guiding mind, supernatural structures, and the clarity of enlightenment.
(Sanskrit) - primarily a circle, but in a broader sense in the Indo-Buddhist region, as well as in Lamaist Tibet - means of concentration and meditation, constructed from circles and the forms formed from them. Such structures are for the most part drawn and painted, but also arranged in composition, and then clearly copied in the building plans of temple structures. They are, in a true sense, spiritual images of the world order (cosmograms), often combined with elements of a four-dimensional orientation (see Square). At the same time, as with targets, there is a pointing at the center, leading to a “narrowing of the mental field of vision” (K. G. Jung) based on contemplation and concentration of attention on spiritual content and an intuitive way of knowing, which due to this in a deeply felt form must be rooted in the psyche. In the center, in accordance with the nature of the teaching and the degree of initiation, there are various symbols, for example, in the Indian system of Tantrism - a diamond “wedge of thunder” as a symbol of the final unification of the male and female principles, overcoming the dualistic system (“Shiva-Shakti” in kundalini yoga).
Alchemical symbols also often have the character of a mandala, although here we are not talking about an obhistorical connection with Asian prototypes. Complex psychology in the understanding of C. G. Jung Interprets mandala-symbols as “archetypes” born to humanity (original prototypes), which can spontaneously appear in culturally and historically unprepared people during the process of spiritual maturation (for example, in dreams, visions or in free living images) - as symbols of immersion and deepening into chaotic phases in order to express the idea of the spiritual core of existence, internal reconciliation and integrity.
As a means of meditation in the proper sense, mandala images are denoted by the Indian expression yantra.
Hindu term for a circle. This is a kind of yantra (instrument, method, symbol) in the form of a ritual geometric diagram, sometimes corresponding to a special prophetic property or some form of magic (mantra), which is thus given a visual expression.
Camman suggests that mandalas were first brought to Tibet from India by the great guru Padma Sambhava in the 8th century CE. e. They can be found throughout the East as a means of achieving contemplation and concentration - as an aid in inducing certain mental states and in maintaining the spirit as one moves forward along the path of evolution from biological to geometric forms, from the realm of material to spiritual.
According to G. Zimmer, mandalas are not only drawn or drawn, but also built in kind for some festivities.
One of the monks of the lamaist monastery of Bhatya Basti, Lindem Gomhan, described the mandala to Carl Gustav Jung as "a mental image that can only be built in the imagination by a knowledgeable lama." He emphasized that “no mandala is the same as the other”: they are all different, because each is a reflected image of the mental state of its creator or, in other words, an expression of a change made by the mental content to the traditional idea of the mandala. Thus, the mandala is a synthesis of traditional structure and free interpretation.
Its main components are geometric figures, balanced and concentric. Based on this, it is said that "the mandala always wraps a circle in a form." There are some works - for example "Sri-Chakra-Sambhara-Tantra", - "- which prescribe rules for the best representation of this image.
In fact, such figures as the wheel of the world, the Mexican “great stone calendar”, the lotus flower, the mythical golden flower, the rose, etc., coincide with the mandala.
Manadala and religious traditions
The mandala pattern is used in many religious traditions.
Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th century Christian nun, created many beautiful mandalas to represent her views and beliefs.
mandalas of Hildegard von Bingen The Stone of the Sun (Spanish: Piedra del Sol), sometimes called the Aztec calendar, is a monolithic basalt disk with a symbolic image of the Aztec cosmogony and the solar cult.
Sun Stone In Tibetan Buddhism, the contemplation of a sacred image is central to religious rituals, and the mandala is one of the most important of these sacred images.
Tibetan mandalas are often highly elaborate illustrations for religious purposes that are used for meditation.
In ancient Tibet, as part of their spiritual practice, monks created complex mandalas with colored sand from crushed semi-precious stones. This tradition continues to this day.
Tibetan mandala In common usage, mandalas have become a generic term for any plan, graphic, or geometric design that metaphysically or symbolically represents the cosmos.
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The mandala is one of the most mysterious symbols in the history of mankind. To comprehend and decipher it, it is not enough to understand the definition, you must completely immerse yourself in the history of the universe and ancient cultures. The mandala takes us back to time immemorial, when people's faith in higher powers was strong, and the sense of beauty spilled over into intricate ornaments.
Mandala- This is not just a beautiful intricate drawing. This is the most complex geometry, carrying a grandiose semantic load. For many centuries, it has served as an unchanging and universal symbol of integrity, transformation and harmony. It combines almost all the initial intuitive human ideas about the nature of the world, ideas that determine our existence and are inherent in every person.
Literally, "mandala" is translated as "circle" and means the whole matrix of the universe, the concentration of harmony and reconciliation with the universe. The circle itself is a fundamental sign, an ideal geometric figure without beginning or end. This is everything and nothing, a comprehensive sign that is found in the culture of all peoples.
Story
Since the art of creating a mandala originated in ancient times, today it is impossible to determine the inventor or date of creation of the first mandala. Some researchers are of the opinion that the history of the emergence of mandala drawings is associated with the construction of ancient megaliths. There is also a version that the inspiration for the image of the mandala was shaman tambourines and the symbols that were applied to them. The variety of historical interpretations and the nuances of semantic interpretations indicate that the mandala is much more complicated than it seems at first glance.
There is a beautiful Buddhist legend that the first mandala was made by the founder of the Vajrayana movement in the 8th century. He was in great need of divine help, so he built a geometric pattern and stood in its center. He prayed for seven days and seven nights, after which the deity, attracted by the beauty of the image, descended to him and fulfilled his desire.
The famous psychiatrist and researcher in human depth psychology, Carl Gustave Jung, was one of the first in Europe to approach the study of the mandala from a scientific point of view. He created the first mandala in 1916, and after two years of practice he perfected the art and showed the world unique magnificent images every day. Over the years of studying this art and its spiritual background, he found out that each of his mandala reflects the internal state at the time of drawing. Jung began using his drawings to record his psychic transformation and eventually came to a startling conclusion. The professor discovered that with the help of the mandala technique one can show the unique individuality of a person, overcome his fears and look “inside” himself.
Mandala in different world cultures
The mandala was originally a sacred symbol that was used in many spiritual beliefs.
It is known that the Christian nun Hilda von Bingen, who lived in the 12th century, was engaged in the creation of magnificent mandalas. Thus, she expressed her religious beliefs and worldview.
Native Americans created sand mandalas by tracing the surface with unusual symbols. They also carved mandalas out of stone, creating colossal architectural works. The famous Aztec calendar is also a mandala. It symbolizes the timing and religious worldview of the ancient Indian people.
Despite the fact that mandalas are usually complex images with numerous ornaments and symbols, the Yin-Yang sign is also a mandala. Like its intricately woven gathering, it is used to meditate and comprehend the deep secrets of the universe.
The whole world knows the ancient Tibetan art of creating mandalas from colored sand. This is painstaking and long work, requiring fantastic endurance and skill. It tempers the spirit and brings up the humility of a person. Creating a drawing is an integral part of the spiritual practice of Tibetan monks. The most incredible thing (for an uninitiated person, of course) is that when many days, and sometimes many months of work is completed, the mandala is destroyed. This gesture symbolizes the frailty of all things and teaches people to be submissive to the universal forces.
Remember the legendary British monument - Stonehenge. It's hard to believe, but this is also a kind of mandala. Huge blocks of stone, arranged in a circle, symbolize the knowledge and worldview of the ancient druids. In this place they comprehended the secrets of nature, calculated the course of the stars and planets, and prayed to their eternal gods.
Mandala therapy
Carl Jung found out that the mandala promotes the emancipation of a person, the release of his inner psychic energy. The healing qualities of the mandala were known before. The most interesting thing is that any aspect of "communication" with the mandala has a positive effect on a person, whether it is the independent creation of a drawing or just a careful contemplation of it from the outside.
If you want to bring peace to your life, just place the mandala image in a prominent place so that it catches your eye as often as possible.
The art of the mandala has not been forgotten. On the contrary, today it is going through a new stage of development. There are mandala proto-forms or templates for decorating. They can be downloaded online or bought at an art store. For what? The fact is that in the process of creating or decorating a cyclic drawing of a mandala, the deepest emotions of a person find a way out. Thus, psycho-emotional unloading occurs, we become calm and balanced, we open ourselves to happiness more easily and learn to enjoy elementary things.
If in the process of coloring the mandala you feel strong emotions, focus on this and highlight with a brighter color the part that caused you these feelings. This is how you build your personal "psychological diagram" like Dr. Jung.
Regular work with mandalas will lead to the fact that you will be in harmony with the outside world. Concentration on the process of drawing mandala patterns allows you to focus and creates the ground for resolving internal conflicts. As a result, the human condition changes significantly.
It is important not just to draw a mandala and forget about it. Hang the finished image in a conspicuous place so you can look at it more often. Study your drawing, remembering what you thought about at one stage or another of its creation. This will consolidate the favorable result of the work.
If you don't have a knack for drawing, but want to experience the magical effects of the mandala for yourself, there are many ways that do not involve the use of pencil and paper. So you can create beautiful mosaic mandalas, collages and sculptures from natural materials (stones, cones, seeds, etc.), sculpt patterns from polymer clay ... The beauty of this art is that it covers all areas of natural manifestation, as in spiritual as well as in the physical sense.
A person always strives to look ahead, to find out what awaits him in the future, what needs to be done in order to achieve his goals, how to fulfill his cherished dream. For these purposes, someone turns to fortune-telling, someone reads horoscopes, someone goes to psychics. And there are those who use various symbols and talismans designed to protect, block negativity, and contribute to the success of any undertaking. Such amulets and talismans include a red woolen thread, a cross consecrated in the church and symbolic images, which include the mandala. What is a mandala and why is it needed? Let's figure it out.
What it is?
Translated from Sanskrit, "mandala" means "that which surrounds the center" or, more simply, a circle, inside of which a square is inscribed. All this geometric diversity is complemented by multiple and at the same time absolutely symmetrical drawings, ornaments and patterns. The mandala can be decorated with figures of animals, images of people, floral and floral ornaments, as well as a variety of geometric interlacings and figures, which together form an incredibly beautiful illustration, bewitching with its thin, ornate and skillful graphics. 
History of appearance
One way or another, mandalas have been around for many centuries of human history. As the legends say, he passed on secret knowledge to his students, which received the name. Only the most diligent and stubborn follower could comprehend their meaning, since the knowledge of wisdom occurred through the contemplation of a deity. If you follow the legend, then the deities lived in palaces, which were depicted in the form of a mandala, imbued with a secret meaning and many symbols. Having seen the encrypted message in the mandala, one could cognize the deity and discover the secret knowledge left by the Buddha to his followers. Jung wrote that understanding the meaning of a mandala, what it is made of and why, is like a kind of ritual that is carried out alone with the image and in the process of its creation. It is at such moments that a person, as if falling into, is transferred to the space between dimensions, where he is able to comprehend the wisdom of the gods.
Did you know?In Buddhist monasteries, the most complex three-level mandalas are made, which are no longer the palaces of deities, but the palace of the Buddha himself. As the legends say, it is in these mandalas that the main secrets of Buddhism, the structure of the Universe and many other secret knowledge are hidden, which have not yet been comprehended.
Mandalas in different world cultures
Due to the deep symbolism and sacred meaning, mandalas are widespread in the cultures of the East, especially in Buddhism and Judaism. In Christianity, they are found in somewhat non-standard forms. For example, on the icons Jesus is depicted in the center, and four evangelists are placed around him in the direction of the four cardinal directions. This type of construction of the mandala has been known since the time of Ancient Egypt (about five thousand years before the birth of Christ). Then the Egyptians depicted the god Horus and his four sons in a manner similar to Christianity. 
The most famous mandalas that have survived intact to this day are Tibetan, Egyptian and Persian. The prayer mandala of Tibet is one of the simplest in the world, it is a lotus flower, each petal of which is streaked with symbols, meaning seven signs of knowledge. This composition is inscribed in a circle, which completes the general appearance of this image. The Egyptian mandala of death describes the cycle of human life in three circles, that is, dimensions, in the world of the living, the world of the gods and the world of death. The Assyrian or Persian mandala is a symbol of patronage, power and might.
Meaning of the mandala
In our time, the wording "to know the wisdom of the gods" does not inspire confidence and great desire among people. So what is it - a mandala - for a modern person and what benefits can it bring? If we paraphrase the ancient saying in a modern manner, then we can say that the mandala is the key to our and, most importantly, the subconscious, and, therefore, it is an opportunity to reveal our inner self and understand the meaning of our existence, determine the path for self-realization and self-improvement, and also to discover the ability to harmonize with the environment and people, namely these factors are very popular today, because lately people are more and more interested in psychology and ways of self-expression. One of these ways is the mandala.
Important! Each image of a mandala in the process of creation absorbs the positive energy of the person who creates it. Therefore, the mandala is a very strong amulet, as well as a source of healing or simply recharging with positive emotions.
Meaning of colors
To create a creative mandala, you can use absolutely any color. The only rule is to create a drawing with the colors that you like best. It is thanks to the positive mood that your favorite colors give you that you make not just a drawing, but an energy generator that will always delight you and charge you with optimism. With regards to the meaning of colors in the mandala, the following main points can be distinguished:
- red is the color of blood, the color of survival, love and passion;
- black - the color of darkness, death, despair, danger;
- yellow - symbolizes well-being, joy, happiness;
- orange - ambition, emotionality, disputes;
- blue - symbolizes the source of life, water and sky;
- blue - mysticism, mystery, conflict, intuition, fear;
- green - support, understanding, desire to help;
- light green - a weak energy field;
- purple - emotional dependence;
- lilac - experiences, excitement.
How and with what to color?
A mandala is always a color image. Tattoos are the only exception, but we will talk about the use of a mandala when tattooing a little later. And now let's figure out how and what is better to color the mandala. The original mandalas are drawn by the monks using colored sand on a perfectly flat surface, and the process of creating them can take two or more months. During this long and painstaking process, the monks plunge into a state of meditation and detachment. They reach the highest point of concentration and are said to discover something new in themselves or in the world around them. Upon completion, the mandala is simply blown away and a new one is drawn.
Important!When creating a mandala, you must be in a good mood. In the room where the mandala is located, you can not quarrel, swear, and even speak loudly. Otherwise, the symbol will change the polarity of the impact and instead of positive, it will attract.
If you decide to draw a mandala, then you should arm yourself with any stationery item that can create a color image. And it doesn't matter what you use. For such purposes, ordinary colored pens or pencils, watercolor paints, gouache or oil paints, pastels, felt-tip pens, markers or rapidographs (pens with an ink tube) may be suitable. The most important thing is not what you draw with, but how much you concentrate on the process, how much you dissolve in it. 
Where is the mandala symbol used?
If with the question "What is a mandala?" we figured it out, then the question remains open and incomprehensible: “How to use it?”. One thing can be said for sure right now: the mandala symbol is widely used in a wide variety of areas. And now you are convinced of this.
Jung Mandala Therapy
Very interesting research in the field of psychology belongs to Carl Gustave Jung. It is known that he had a kind of "Red Book", where he daily sketched small pictures without meaning, as he thought at first. But at some point, Jung noticed that all these pictures had a geometric construction and often fit into a circle or square (the main symbols of the mandala). Learning about mandalas, Jung began to draw more and more, and at one point he realized that the mandala is a mirror of the soul. The picture displayed the state of the inner world of a person at the moment of drawing, since the person himself came up with the shape of the mandala. It has long been no secret that the psychological state of a person can be determined from sketches on a piece of paper. This is how the mandala works, but with a deeper meaning, hidden in numerous symbols, lines, ornaments and color palettes. But that's not all, because in the process of drawing a person learns his own Self and asks many philosophical questions or simply thinks about matters that at first glance may seem insignificant, but actually mean a lot to a person, he just has not yet understood what. Thanks to this discovery, Jung was able to establish the method of mandalo therapy, which is still used in psychology today, and it really works. Jung himself said that when drawing symbols, he often asked himself the question: “What will my work lead to?”, But he did not demand an instant answer. Ask such a question to yourself and you and, perhaps, the mandala will tell you the answer. 
Use for meditation
Mandalas are widely used for, due to their brightness and diversity, which together can distract, lure and fascinate. The technique with the help of the mandala may seem simple at first glance, but in fact, immersing yourself in a genuine state of detachment and, at the same time, concentration is very difficult. The process of meditation includes several stages, gradually completing which you can touch, and maybe even enter a state of meditation. So let's take a look at these steps.
Draw a mandala that meets the needs that your thoughts are concerned with (each mandala contains secret symbols and ciphers that, acting on the subconscious, cause the necessary flow of thoughts and concentration on a specific issue). You can also print the image, but a mandala drawn by you personally has much more energy than a digital copy from the Internet. 
Now the most difficult part begins: you need to completely relax your thoughts, and then your body. But if everything is more or less clear with the body (sit in a comfortable position, lean on the back of a chair, alternately tighten and relax muscle groups, feeling pleasant warmth spread through the body), then everything is much more complicated with thoughts. Our mind is designed in such a way that when we try not to think, it sends us more and more images that seem impossible to fight off. And only practice can help in this matter. You may not succeed the first time, but you must not give up and try.
When you manage to "turn off" your brain, peer into the image of the mandala (best in its center). You can also defocus your vision (make the picture blurry by changing the position of your eyes). At this point, the fun begins, and you begin to see things that you have not seen before. And now we can say that you have reached immersion in meditation. But what symbols or pictures will open in front of you - only you are allowed to know. 
Indian mandalas
“Eyes of God” (Ojos de Dios) - this is the name the Indians called images woven from vines, in which a sacred, symbolic meaning was laid. The greatness of the master was not only in weaving a perfectly symmetrical composition, but also in correctly interpreting the message laid in it. And the highest skill was in the correct reading of the mandala. There were also people who could count all the information about the person who wove the mandala, and the symbolism that he used in his work. Today, there are very few such masters left. Indian mandalas were also woven for the purpose of meditation and self-knowledge. It was believed that while weaving, a person looked at the world and at himself through the eyes of God (hence the name). The presence of such a mandala in the house brought protection, protection and support from God.
Amazing Dance
If we talk about, then in this case the process of transition to a state of meditation occurs during the dance, which is also called the dance of the "Seven Elements". Performing movements, a woman (namely, a woman can perform this type of meditation) enters a state of harmony with each element, and after that she plunges into harmony with herself. In addition to spiritual healing and restoration of vital energy, the physical form is also improved in the mandala dance. As you know, what's on the inside is what's on the outside. Therefore, if you put your spiritual sphere in order and regularly recharge with positive emotions (for example, by performing movements in a dance), then you will not notice when you change outwardly.
Benefits of Dynamic Meditation
Although dynamic meditation is a slightly different method from dance, movement is also involved. But if in dance the movements are already known, then in the method of dynamic meditation you can do whatever your body tells you. It sounds strange, but within an hour of immersion in meditation, a similar effect is successfully achieved. First, there is a deep breath, after which a free splash of emotions in movements begins. Following him comes the stage of reading, and then fading and waiting in the position in which the person stops. This is a rather complicated technique, but practiced by millions of people around the world. Thanks to it, purification is achieved from negativity, conflicts and everything that a person does not need. The main thing here is to move as you want, and not think about anything.
Did you know?The most experienced and trained people who practice meditation are almost impossible to get out of a state of complete concentration. It is even difficult to imagine what can bring a meditator back to reality if even a shot from a pistol cannot cope with this function.
tattoos
Mandala is a kind of energy concentrator. If such a magnet for positive energy is placed on your body, even in the form of a temporary tattoo, then there is an opinion that it will begin to attract good luck, success and prosperity to a person. It is worth noting that for a tattoo there are a great many mandalas encrypted in symbols, the meaning of each of which focuses on a specific area, for example, love, financial well-being, energy protection and others. Before drawing a picture on the skin, you should carefully look at the images. You have to feel exactly where your mandala is. Don't rush, especially if you're not sure. 
Mandala yoga
This type of practice can be performed by both women and men, unlike dance. The smooth and plastic movements of dances here are replaced by the clarity of geometric forms, the so-called, which are built in strict order. All these movements and breathing practices are combined in an hour-long ritual of geometric actions that allow you to concentrate and work with your spiritual energy. The mandala in is something that cannot be expressed in words. This is a combination of smoothness of breathing and clarity of movements, grace and geometry of the body, regularity of breaths and sharpness of exhalations. Together, the asanas of mandala yoga form a powerful energy charge that nourishes the body and spirit.
Did you know? Yoga practitioners age 10-20 years slower than the average person. That is, at 60 they look 40. This is really amazing!
Numerical mandalas
A numerical mandala (or numerology) is a kind of digital code obtained by combining the letters of a name, surname, date of birth or other data. Thanks to the numerical mandala, you can get the final number from 0 to 9 and, in accordance with the value of the resulting figure, interpret the results of the calculation. Based on the set of received numbers characterizing the personality of a person, a personal mandala is built, that is, the numbers turn into an image. Each person gets an individual and unlike other mandala, which can be used as a powerful amulet and positive generator. 
The influence of the process of creating a mandala on self-awareness
The final result depends on the mood with which you approach the creation of the mandala, since the drawing is a reflection of your inner spiritual state. If you are in harmony with yourself and carry positive, then your drawing will absorb your thoughts and wishes and will give them back in the future. In the process of drawing, you abstract from the outside world and delve into your inner world. The mandala itself, due to its absolute symmetry, has a somewhat hypnotic effect on a person, helping him enter a state of meditation. And, being in it, a person asks a lot of questions, to which he can unexpectedly find answers in pictures and symbols depicted in ornate mandala ornaments. Self-knowledge is an essential part of creating a mandala. This is one of its main tasks: to bring a person closer to the disclosure and comprehension of himself. With each element of the mandala, a person approaches self-consciousness. His thoughts are cleared, positive thoughts are born in the head by themselves, energy and internal balance are normalized, and there is a general effect on the whole organism, for example, the painter calms down, stress and tension are relieved.
How to work with a mandala?
Regarding how to draw a mandala, we can say that this is such a peculiar and even intimate ritual in which you work with it alone. Below we have given a rough plan on how to create your mandala: 
- Find a secluded place where no one will stop you from creating.
- Take a sheet of paper and draw a circle on it (using a compass, or just circle the plate).
- It is better to start drawing patterns from the center, as there is not enough space, and it will be easier for you to figure out what to place in the center.
- It is worth starting the drawing with the color that you like the most, because this is the center, the heart of your composition.
- Don't think too long! The hand itself must draw lines, ornaments or symbols as it pleases.
- Focus on what you have done in the center. This drawing will tell you what to draw next. It's like text. At first, you can’t start for a long time (the effect of a blank slate), and when you already start writing, you write without stopping, thinking about what to write next on the go.
- You can go beyond the circle, you can finish at any moment - you and only you are free to do what you want with your mandala.
- The moment of completion will be prompted by an inner voice, and you will experience satisfaction and even joy.
- If it so happened that you experienced negative sensations, then the mandala should be turned face down and put away on a table or in a folder (away from the eyes, but you should not destroy it). You may need to create many mandalas in order to achieve a sense of perfection, joy and satisfaction.
Summing up our article, we can safely say that the mandala is a special, unique and amazing technique of self-discovery, a way to look inside yourself, overcome depression, stress and tension, just relax and have fun. Also, the mandala can become a powerful talisman and amulet that will not only protect, but also give strength, charge with positive energy and even heal.