What are MANDALAS?

The word Mandala originally comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. The word itself literally means “circle.” Circle is seen as a magical form as it has no beginning and no end.

If I would want to give a simple description I would say Mandalas are usually circular geometric compositions based on repetitive patterns of shapes and colours. In the modern world you can hear of mandalas when referring to ornaments, drawings or paintings which can be used to inspire relaxation or meditation or are simply used as decorations.

The mandala iconography is present in many different countries, cultures and religions throughout the world. They are used as instruments of meditation and symbols of prayer- mainly in Tibet, China and Japan. Here are some other examples as well:

• In Hindu tradition mandalas include yantras with different geometric shapes, images, and written mantras. Examples include the mandalas dedicated to the ten mahavidias (the different aspect of parashakti, the female energy).
• In Buddhist cultures mandalas are spiritual symbols and serve as a representation of the universe and a guide on the path to enlightenment. The subjects of the traditional Buddhist mandalas include the Tree of Life and the Path of Buddha, in a number of versions, different size and complexity
• The circular shape and repetitive patterns are also recognizable in the dream catchers of Native Americans and the mythology and the magic tradition of the tribes of the Appalachian Mountains and shamanism.
• The Chinese Yin and Yang symbols also have a circular shape that represents a mandala.
• The Tibetan Sand Mandalas are also truly amazing. In Vajrayana Buddhism, mandalas have been developed also into sand paintings.
• In Celtic spirals and knot work hides Mandalas as well.
• In Christianity in the rose windows of the churches, in the rosary, in the halos representing the enlightment of the saints.
• And finally they can be find in astrology, numerology and divination charts too.