What is Mandal Art?

If ever you’ve studied spiritual Asian art, you’ve likely encountered a mandala. A mandala, which is Sanskrit for “circle” or “discoid object,” is a geometric design that holds a great deal of symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. 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 meaning beyond their vibrant appearance.

A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Asian cultures. It can be understood in two different ways: externally as a visual representation of the universe or internally as a guide for several practices that take place in many Asian traditions, including meditation. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the belief is that by entering the mandala and proceeding towards its center, you are guided through the cosmic process of transforming the universe from one of suffering into one of joy and happiness.

---

History of Mandalas

Mandalas are found among the most ancient art forms created by human beings. Rock carvings found all over the world incorporate the circular form and its variations such as spirals, crosses, concentric circles. It is thought that they express worshipful awe of nature’s cycles and the mysteries of life and death. The alternation of day and night, the ever-changing moon, and the rhythms of the seasons are aptly expressed by circular designs.

The circle is the most natural form known to mankind. The Universe is made up of planets, stars, moons and the sun, all spherical in shape. The sun rises and sets in a never-ending circle; seasons pass in an annual circle. Trees, rocks and raindrops are circular, and most fruits and flowers are spherical. The cells and atoms that make up everything within the universe are circular.

---

Types Of Mandalas

Outer Mandalas

Let’s start with a very basic one. It is called Outer Mandala. The outer mandala represents the universe or world-system. These type of mandalas are basically used for the offerings. We offer a mandala to a spiritual master asking him or vows, knowledge. Offering outer mandala is a standard practice in Buddhism for thanking people.

Teaching Mandalas

There is another type called Teaching Mandala. The teaching mandalas are symbolic. Each shape, line, and color in teaching mandala represents different aspects of Buddhism. A monk learns to create mandalas while taking his monastic education. The teaching mandala can be understood as a colorful, mental map that describes the Himalayan culture.

Healing Mandalas

A Healing Mandala is more intuitive than a teaching mandala. Healing mandala are made for the purpose of meditation, deliver certain wisdom. The healing mandala can be used for focusing and concentrating.

Sand Mandalas

Buddhist monks have a religious way of creating Sand Mandalas. For creating a sand mandala, the mandala is created of fine multi-colored sand, and then the sand grains are placed in the concentric circles. Working from outward towards the center along with the pattern that has been laid out. Metal funnels are generally used so that uniform amount goes at a time.