A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Asian cultures. Mandala is originally a Sanskrit word, and it means a circle or discoid object. Loosely translated, it can also mean the center. Mandalas are believed to represent different aspects of the universe and are used as instruments of meditation and symbols of prayer most notably in China, Japan, and Tibet.
In their most basic form, mandalas are circles contained within a square and arranged into sections that are all organized around a single, central point. They’re typically produced on paper or cloth, drawn on a surface with threads, fashioned in bronze, or built-in stone. While extraordinary as a standalone work of art, mandalas hold symbolic and meditative meanings beyond their vibrant appearance.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the belief is that by entering the mandala and proceeding toward its center, you are guided through the cosmic process of transforming the universe from one of suffering into one of joy and happiness.
Mandalas are used for a variety of religious traditions, meditation, and modern contexts. The traditional Tibetan mandala, found in Buddhism, depicts the enlightened state of Buddha through sand art. Patterns are formed on the ground using metal and a small tube to create the exact texture and organization of the grains. Creating this can take weeks, and shortly after it’s complete, it is destroyed to align with the Buddhist belief that nothing is permanent.
As it relates to a modern context, mandalas are used in a variety of ways. In yoga, mandalas represent the same ancient ideals; signifying a sacred space to shut away external influences. Often, mandalas are positioned around the studio and sometimes even drawn during meditation periods. Similarly, mandala art is used in healing circles, a practice that derives from Native Americans. The circles are often associated with the restoration of the body, mind, and heart.
