Mandala is a word that loosely means “circle” in sanskrit.  It’s first use is dated back to 1859. Mandalas are often intricate and colorful designs composed of various shapes and objects that form around a center point.  This center point is the focus point and is often used in meditation practices to get in touch with ones inner core or spiritual center. The center of the mandala is often said to generate a feeling of peace.

Mandalas have been historically used for many purposes both on an individual level and by religious and spiritual groups.

Spirituality

In Hinduism and Buddishm, mandalas represent the universe and have great ritual and spiritual significance.  Buddhist’s believe meditation using a mandala will lead to enlightenment, healing, and peace.  Sand mandalas, created by Buddhist monks, are said to  spread positive energy into the surrounding environment and to all individuals that view them.

Art As Therapy

Psychologist Carl Jung used the mandala art as therapy.  He viewed the mandala as a pathway to the self and used it to help his patients make deeper connections with themselves and make the unconscious conscious. Jung said that a mandala symbolizes “a safe refuge of inner reconciliation and wholeness.”  It is “a synthesis of distinctive elements in a unified scheme representing the basic nature of existence.”

Mandalas – Art Online

Mandala art has been around for centuries, but seems to have had a renewed popularity in recent years. Whether the medium is paint, colored pencil, sand, photography, or various objects of nature, artists of all kinds are intrigued by the endless creative possibilities of expressing their own personal journeys through these amazing, intricate designs.

Mandalas are seen around the world and appreciated for their creativity and beauty as well as for the unique message of each design to generate self reflection and personal and spiritual growth.When viewing our Mandala art in the online gallery, remember that we must each find our own path to the center.  As the Tibetan monk Lobsang Samtem states: “Each individual person who sees and meets the mandala has a different experience.”   May you enjoy the beauty of the art and enjoy your journey.