About Mandalas
A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol that is recognized in most Asian type cultures. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the mandala is a sacred pattern that represents the entirety of the universe. However, religious and spiritual traditions from around the world recognize and celebrate the beauty and power of the mandala.
The word mandalas in the language of Sanskrit is translated to mean “circle”, but a mandala is so much more than just a simple geometric shape. Just as the circle is never ending, the mandala reminds us of our infinite being and our connection to the entire universe.
In many of the Asian cultures and religion’s the mandalas circles have different meanings. Some believe that the outer circles represent the different aspects of the universe and are a guide to understanding and improving the universe. The inner and center circle represents the internal aspects of the cosmic process and guidance of your personal transformation of your spirituality and your soul and oneness with your creator and the universe.
Mandalas are used for meditation purposes allowing the individual meditating to become one with the universe. There are not many who are able to achieve this state of mind from just studying a mandala. It is a discipline and takes effort to learn. The symbolism behind the creation of a mandala can have significant meaning for many individuals whether they are Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Pagan or of any other religious orientation.
Although the methods and mediums used to create mandalas vary throughout cultures, the purpose is the same. Different religions use different symbols shapes and colors that are specific to each of the doctrines. A spiritual student creates a mandala as part of a lesson in learning to focus his or hers attention to a single task. This lesson prepares the student for meditation. Designing a mandala also allows the person making it to create what’s called a sacred space.
In todays world in the western countries and alternative belief systems, the Mandala is being used in many different ways. There is some research being done by medical practitioners. Mandalas are being recognized as a therapeutic tool and is called therapeutic art. In the field of holistic health, mandala’s is being used for the therapeutic process of healing and pain relief. In the mental health psychology fields they are being used to relieve or reduce stress, anxiety, depression and to help stimulate mental functions in dementia patients. In this age and time the mandala is also used by many different disciplines such as yoga, meditation and spiritual enlightenment.
The symbols used within the mandala design are believed to aid you in journeying to the deepest regions of your unconscious mind or higher self. Many people believe this inner world is where your spirit or soul resides. For some, the mandala becomes a doorway into the cosmic realm of spirit. If you meditate by using a mandala, you can unlock universal truths, which in turn give you a greater personal understanding of yourself and your role in life. You’ll become aware of how everything in life is connected and dependent upon each other.
There are many uses for mandalas and if you are going to create or acquire a mandala you should set your intention on the desired outcome and what you want to achieve when using a mandala. The uses are infinite within the mandala circle. If you are creating your own just set your intention relax, and enjoy the process and trust your feelings.
If you are just going to acquire one, what you need to know is that all mandalas look and feel different, each one carries its own significance. When choosing a mandala to use for your journey, you should find one that speaks to you, that taps into a feeling that is indescribable with just words. The colors, the shapes – everything about it should intrigue your senses so that when you bring yourself to your endeavors, you know you are in a scared space and you experience a sense of excitement.
Always remember your unconscious mind can manifest anything and everything in the universe.
Debra Dempsey is a Vibrational Frequency Intuitive and Artist. She creates beautiful Mandala art based on what she sees in her mind’s eye while listening to Solfeggio Frequencies. To learn more about Debra, click here.