Artistry Culture - Traditional Folk art of India - Mandala Art

MANDALA ART

Lotus sacred symbol in Buddhism 

A mandala 'circle' is a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. In the Eastern religions of  Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Shintoism it is used as a map representing deities, or specially in the case of Shintoism, paradises, kami or actual shrines.

In New Age, the mandala is a diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a time-microcosm of the universe, but it originally meant to represent wholeness and a model for the organizational structure of life itself, a cosmic diagram that shows the relation to the infinite and the world that extends beyond and within various minds & bodies.

In Hinduism, a basic mandala, also called a yantra, takes the form of a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T.  

A yantra is similar to a mandala, usually smaller and using a more limited colour palette. It may be a two- or three-dimensional geometric composition used in sadhanas, puja or meditative rituals, and may incorporate a mantra into its design. It is considered to represent the abode of the deity. Each yantra is unique and calls the deity into the presence of the practitioner through the elaborate symbolic geometric designs. According to one scholar, "Yantras function as revelatory symbols of cosmic truths and as instructional charts of the spiritual aspect of human experience.

If you ever get the chance to visit any Buddhist monastery. You will see the mandala art all over the place. This mandala is also known as Thangka Mandala origin is Nepal and Tibet. Thangka art is not easy, it takes lot of patience and symmetry required to make this art.

Mandala Art made on silk & brocade cloth 

Symbolism in Mandalas

Within their intricate circular patterns, you can find common symbols throughout mandalas. Traditionally, they include the presence of Buddha’s mind in an abstract form, most commonly represented as a wheel, tree, flower, or jewel. The center is a dot, which is a symbol considered free of dimensions. It is interpreted as the starting point, the beginning of contemplation, and devotion to the divine. From there, the dot is surrounded by lines and geometrical patterns that symbolize the universe, encompassed by the outer circle which represents the cyclical nature of life. Some common symbols within the mandala include:

·        Wheel with eight spokes: The circular nature of a wheel works as an artistic representation of a perfect universe. The eight spokes represent the Eightfold Path of Buddhism, a summary of practices that lead to liberation and rebirth.

·       Bell: Bells represent an openness and emptying of the mind to allow the entrance of wisdom and clarity.

·        Triangle: When facing upward, triangles represent action and energy, and when facing downward, they represent creativity and the pursuit of knowledge.

·        Lotus flower: A sacred symbol in Buddhism, the symmetry of a lotus depicts balance. As a lotus reaches up from underwater into the light, so too does a human reaching for spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

·        Sun: A popular basis for modern mandala patterns, suns tend to represent the universe, often carrying meanings related to life and energy.

Some common questions around Mandala Art and Therapy in people mind.

What is Mandala Art?

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. While extraordinary as a standalone work of art, mandalas hold symbolic and meditative meaning beyond their vibrant appearance.

Traditional Mandala (Circle of life)

What is the use of Mandala Art?

Mandalas, meaning "circles" in Sanskrit, are sacred symbols that are used for meditation, prayer, healing and art therapy for both adults and children. Mandalas have been shown in clinical studies to boost the immune system, reduce stress and pain, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and ease depression.

Is Mandala Art easy?

Learn how to draw a mandala! In this drawing lesson, I'll show you how I constructed the colorful mandala you see above. Although it looks complicated, it's actually quite easy, once you know the steps!

They help with balance. They bring peace and tranquility. Looking at them will give you a feeling of calmness

1. Which Pen is used for mandala art?

Artline Artist Pens are the perfect tools to create colorful mandalas. The brush nibs are also good for drawing wide strokes and the superfine nibs create crisp, thin lines for outlining designs.

Traditional Mandala -2 (Circle of Life) using Artline Pen

2. Can coloring mandala reduce anxiety?

Anxiety level was measured with the State Anxiety Inventory at baseline, after the writing exercise, and after coloring. Results support the hypothesis that coloring a mandala reduces anxiety to a significantly greater degree than coloring on a plaid design or coloring on a blank paper

3. Why is mandala calming?

Mandalas bring along a feeling of relaxation

4. How do you draw a simple mandala for beginners?

5. Why do we colour Mandala?

People who color mandalas often experience a deep sense of calm and well-being. It's a simple tool that doesn't require any expertise, but it can be remarkably soothing and nourishing. Mandalas not only focus your attention but also allow you to express your creative side, which many of us neglect in our daily lives.

6. What is mandala art therapy?

Mandala art therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a trained therapist guides clients through a variety of artistic processes using geometric patterns in an effort to find or restore a sense of healthy mental balance.

If you want to learn this art form, please visit my YouTube channel. For any query related to Mandala art, please comment below. I will reach out to you.