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The magic of the Mandala

 

Mesmerizing circles, intricate designs, exquisite patterns - Mandala art is mystical, meditative and healing. The geometric designs, the repetitive patterns and the myriad themes of the Mandala captivate the eye and soothe the soul. The traditional mandala circles hold many a world within and all you need is a curious eye and an open mind to experience them.

The word Mandala means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit and the Mandala art form holds great significance in Buddhist and Hindu cultures. According to the World History Encyclopedia, the earliest mention of the Mandala appears in India in the Rig Veda (c. 1500 - c. 500 BCE).  Mandala is an integral part of Asian spirituality and has strong roots in Jainism and Shintoism, as well. Its traces can be seen in Persian artistic traditions, as in the Ishtar Star Symbol from Mesopotamia. In the Tibetan tradition, Mandala depicts the enlightened state of Buddha through sand art which is created over several weeks by Buddhist monks in a state of meditation. Upon completion, the monks destroy the Mandala to deliberate on the belief that nothing is permanent in this material world.

There is a heaviness of symbolism in Mandala which traditionally starts with a dot in the centre, the beginning of all consciousness. The wheel with eight spokes (an aesthetic microcosm of the ideal Universe), the bell, the lotus, triangle and the sun are mystical elements that are embedded in the traditional Mandala. From ancient Indian temples to modern day textile prints, Mandala is intrinsic to the Asian way of life.

The essence of the Mandala is that it transcends the world of art and transforms into a spiritual exercise. Mandala is meditation that allows one to look within in introspection and awareness.  Mandala is therapeutic both for the creator and the observer of the art. The Mandala artist spends hours repeating patterns, working on elaborate details, focusing their energy on the geometric art. In the process, the artist turns away from the outside world and into his own spiritual self. The colours used in the Mandala have symbolic meanings and the act of colouring the Mandala is a great stress-buster. Colouring is also believed to combat anxiety and create a sense of calm in individuals.

Mandala meditation, where an observer spends hours gazing upon the complex structure is said to take a person on an inward spiritual journey, right from the periphery of the circle towards the inside; a journey of self-understanding without the illusions and the trappings of the real world.  Psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung who promoted Mandala in the West felt that the creation helps one recognize unhealthy thoughts and behaviours and move towards one’s authentic self.

Healing Mandala Therapy is gaining a lot of popularity with youngsters through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, these days. There are several online platforms that offer Healing Mandala courses by the hour. As an art enthusiast, I had tested the waters in one of the free Mandala workshops. I have been completely enthralled by the sheer beauty and detailing involved in the Mandala creation process. Since then, I have spent countless hours drawing shapes, filling them with patterns, adding on the details and feeling rejuvenated through this very creative process.










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