Mandala is a sacred schematic image used in Buddhist and Hindu religious practices.

Word " mandala" in Sanskrit means " platform of the universe" The figures that make up the mandala are considered sacred in almost all religions. It is believed that a mandala is a model of the Universe, including earth, air, fire, sky (ether). When meditating on a mandala, a person works as if with all existing elements at once.

The use of mandala is very diverse. With its help you can:

• relieve headaches
  reduce the impact of meteorological factors
  train memory
  neutralize geopathogenic zones
  cleanse any environment, space, objects, organisms
  meditate

The very presence of a mandala within your apartment, office, premises triggers its beneficial effect. Intuition and your own feelings will tell you what the drawing should be, the main thing is to remember that the drawing should be symmetrical and enclosed in a circle.

Meaning of mandala symbols:

Circle- a symbol of feminine energy Yin. Provides the drawing with the following qualities: harmony, integrity, unity, sincerity and sensuality.
Spiral- a symbol of movement, which indicates that everything is changing. A person can gain, lose and gain something again.
Shells– a symbol of secrecy and keeping secrets.
Arrows and other images with sharp corners are a symbol of the masculine principle of Yang energy. Such elements have aggressive and active energy. They can also be used as a sign of protection and attack.
Eyes And ovals- This is a symbol of the “all-seeing eye”. It is recommended to use it to create a mandala of harmony and love, since ovals give care, guardianship and security.
Square, rhombus and polygon - a symbol of a solid foundation.

These are just the basic symbols that are used in creating magical drawings. The mandala must not only be correctly drawn, but also decorated.

Mandala color meaning:

red, orange, yellow– active energy of movement, love and internal potential;
blue, purple, cyan– calmness and poise;
green, turquoise– encourages action and leads to loss of strength (it all depends on the shade);
black Brown– used for restrictions or divisions;
white– a universal color with a huge number of meanings.

By the way, the famous Swiss psychologist and philosopher Carl Jung he drew mandalas almost every day; in this he saw a deep psychotherapeutic effect, high-quality material for analysis, and used mandala drawing as a method of complex therapy.

After drawing his first mandala in 1916, Jung sketched more and more every day, noting that each drawing reflected his inner life here and now, which meant that the drawings could be used to record his “psychic transformation.” The process of “individualization”, that is, uniqueness and individuality, according to Jung, is a natural process; the motive of the mandala is movement towards the center of personality, towards the center of the soul, with which everything is connected, and which itself is a source of energy.

Colored mandala and music for relaxation

Video: Celtic Reiki Living Mandala - Meditation

Surely, you have heard about mantras, Ayurveda, the laws of Karma, and the ancient Indian philosophy that arose at the dawn of civilization. Hinduism is one of the oldest religious practices that offer an explanation for the meaning of human existence. Long before the advent of knowledge about psychiatry and psychology, they could discern the emotional state of a person and the stage of his development through drawing certain schematic drawings - mandalas.

What is a mandala?

Translated from Sanskrit mandala means wheel, circle, rotation. This is a schematic graphic sketch, but in ancient times it was treated with reverence, as a sacred object, since in it one could see a reflection of the human soul.

The famous psychotherapist, follower of Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, while studying the unconscious, began to study mandalas in earnest. Give his patients the task of drawing a similar schematic drawing, he saw that they never repeat, changing over and over again, and reflect the internal emotional state of a person at a certain moment.

Thanks to the research of this scientist, this practice began to be used in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.

Of course, all mandalas are strictly individual, but their depiction is subject to clear rules. In the center of the circle is the pupil, the waking eye. This center is surrounded by two circles: inner and outer. The outer one, closer to the edge, should guard and protect, and the inner one, which is closer to the pupil, shows your state of harmony, enlightenment at the moment.

If lotus flowers or tulsi branches are often used in the image of the outer circle, then in the inner circle diamonds, emeralds, rubies are used in an ornament of symbols. The center itself is also depicted symbolically.

The meaning of flowers in a mandala

These days, many have heard of art therapy, a restorative treatment for stress and depression. Psychologists believe that colors can be used to determine a person’s mental and emotional state.

In drawing mandalas, each color also has its own meaning:

Red - the color of passion, power, power and energy. This color in the drawing shows that the person has strong vital energy, the blood runs quickly through the veins, the heart beats quickly.

If there is not a single shade of red in the picture, then this is a very alarming signal. It indicates that a person is in a state of depression, chronic fatigue, despondency and hopelessness.

Yellow - fun, joy, happiness, positive. Creative individuals with an unconventional approach to life and work are attracted to all shades of this color.

Green - the color of nature and life. It is often used by sincere and honest people who live in harmony with the world and with themselves. The predominant use of this color indicates the balance of feminine and masculine traits in a person’s character.

Blue - the color of wisdom, prudence, calmness. It is believed that the use of this color is typical for psychics and esotericists, magicians and sorcerers, as well as philosophers and poets.

Brown - color of earth and bark. They say that the abundance of this color in drawings speaks of a desire to hide, take cover, and receive protection from the world.

Orange - midway between red and yellow, this is the color of strong, overflowing energy. A person who constantly uses this color dreams of self-realization and self-affirmation.

Black - anticolor. In all interpretations, he personifies death, emptiness, non-existence. The predominance of this color is a terrible symptom; it speaks of a person’s creative and professional burnout and unwillingness to live.

A schematic model of a mandala can be purchased in specialized stores or downloaded from the Internet, but by using different colors you will depict your own emotional state, and, as esotericists believe, depict your own soul at the moment.

The meaning of the symbols in the mandala

The image of the mandala is strictly symbolic. In addition to lotus flowers, they depict

• triangles are symbols of the constant movement of the world,
• squares are symbols of family, home, temple, protection,
• short and long, thick and thin lines of different directions,
• the star is a symbol of masculinity and masculinity,
• the cross is a very important sign, symbolizing the right or wrong choice of life path,
• flower is a symbol of femininity, beauty and love,
• circles of various sizes and locations.

Gurus who study mandalas will be able to tell a lot about you and your state of mind by looking at your drawing. This interpretation will be influenced by absolutely everything, even the thickness of the lines. For example, if you outline the outer circle with a thick line, then this is an indicator of the desire to protect yourself from the dangers of the outside world.

If, in addition to a thin broken line, there are many empty spaces in the circle, then you are extremely sociable and friendly.

If thin, winding lines are intertwined in the space of a circle, then you are emotional and sensual. But such a drawing for a man is an indicator of the presence of a huge number of problems and spiritual stupor.

Any flower in a mandala depicted by a woman indicates the femininity and sophistication of its owner. In general, floral elements and ornaments in a woman’s drawing are a good sign.

Many triangles directed in different directions of the world indicate doubts about choosing the right path.

Both colors and symbols are of great importance in the depiction of mandalas.

How to draw a mandala

You can draw a mandala yourself . Prepare a white sheet of paper and pencils or paints. Take a large plate and draw a circle across the entire sheet. Now you need to move on to the icon image. Listen carefully to your inner voice. He will tell you what symbol or sign should be in the center.

Then move on to the inner circle, you can fill it with any shapes: people, animals, plants, ornaments or geometric shapes. Carefully move to the outer circle, remember that everything should be interconnected and harmonious.

Then proceed to coloring your drawing, use only those colors that your intuition tells you. And then try to interpret your drawing using your knowledge of symbols and colors.

A very interesting and deep theme “Mandala”. When starting to study it, first of all it is necessary to understand the concept of “Mandala” » .

What does "mandala" mean?

Let us give several interpretations of this term.

Mandala is a sacred schematic image or design used in Buddhist and Hindu religious practices.

Mandalas are symbols for meditation with an ornamental pattern, most often including the shapes of a circle, triangle, square, or lotus petals. When focusing on them, thanks to a special structure, a corresponding adjustment of consciousness occurs, which contributes to the discovery of certain human abilities or the awareness of the basic elements of the universe that cannot be expressed through logic, which can serve to comprehend the whole spectrum of truths arising from them.

Mandalas- these are special sacred drawings that are a kind of visual prayer.

A mandala is a geometric symbol of a complex structure that is interpreted as a model of the universe, a “map of the cosmos.”

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle, center, polygon, unity. Translated from Tibetan it means the center of a circle with outer walls and surroundings. Traditionally, it is designated by a circle - a symbol of space and nature, and a square - a symbol of the Earth and the world created by man.

Mandala is a symbol of the wheel of life and death, cosmic processes of existence, planets and stars, earthly seasons and galactic cycles. It is a manifestation of a certain field.

However, the etymology of the word "mandala" suggests not only a "circle" but also a container of essence.

The mandala represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model of the structure of life itself - a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our connection with the infinite world that extends both outside and inside our bodies and minds.

Describing both material and spiritual reality, the mandala manifests itself in all aspects of human life: in the celestial circles called Earth, Sun, Moon, and in conceptual circles: friends, family, society.

The mandala represents an integrated view of the world. Awareness of the mandala contributes to changes in our views of ourselves, our planet, the structure of the universe and, as a result, can change our entire life and our purpose in life.

Simply put, a mandala is a sacred geometric figure that represents the universe.

When a mandala is completed, it becomes a sacred area that serves as a source of spirituality and a place of power. By concentrating on the mandala, a person is directed through space to the essence of reality.

“It is well known that in tactical terms, a square or a circle are the optimal means of defense against a stronger enemy. What has already been said is enough to explain the meaning of the mandala or any other of the endless symbols based on the concept of presynct or protection of a certain space identified with the individual.
Circle dances - such as the May Day tree dance in England, or the Sardan dance in Catalonia - or round stones (once known as cromlechs - Celtic structures of the Bronze Age), or symbols depicting a fence or a circle of people - they all have the same symbolic meaning, the general concept of self-defense, as defined by A. van Scheltom in Documents VII (Paris, 1930).

Mandala. This is a symbolic diagram, usually a circle bounded by a square with a central symbol in the center, which may also be a drawing. Represents the way of being and the system on which meditative visualization is based. Mandala is also imago mundi, limitation of sacred space and penetration into the sacred center, completeness, microcosm, cosmic mind, integration. Qualitatively, the mandala personifies spirit, quantitatively - being. Alternating squares symbolize the dualistic and, at the same time, complementary principles of the universe, and in general - the re-playing cosmic drama and the wanderings of the soul. It is also a symbol of the universal spirit and a ritual diagrammatic form of Purusha. In addition, the mandala symbolizes the center of power, an area protected from enemy influences. The center of the madala is the Sun or the Heavenly Door and symbolizes the entrance to Heaven. A Hindu temple is built in the shape of a mandala, which symbolizes the different levels of the universe, each of which has its own gates, or doors, to the four cardinal points. Groups of five images represent four points located around the center - “the ego surrounds itself in space and time.” These five points symbolize the five elements of the human personality, the five Buddhas, the five “generations”, which are reflected in the five faces of Shiva - west - white, Sadiojata, north - yellow, Vamedeva; south - black, Aghora; east - red, Tatpurusha; the center is green, the face of Isana (creative power) These are also the five spiritual knowledges that symbolize the five Tathagatas. Vairochana (Brilliant) - knowledge that reflects archetypes, center, wheel, white, like in a mirror; Akshobhya (Equanimity) - primordial consciousness, unit, vajra, east, blue; Ratnasambhava (Precious-Born)

Knowledge of the fundamental unity of things, jewel, south, yellow, Amitabha (Limitless Light)

Knowledge of the One Being, lotus, west, red; Amoghasiddhi (Infallible Success) - knowledge of both power and action, sword, north, green The Demons (Vaghna) in the mandala symbolize the hostile, threatening aspect of the psychic and passionate forces that impede man's progress towards the light. The Mandala, constructed as 8x8 squares, means the heavenly world built on earth; like 9x9 squares - an expanding and decreasing universe

A meditation image of a mandala, which should facilitate concentration on the divine essence of the soul, inaccessible to consciousness.

Journey to Me

A mandala (translated from Sanskrit as sacred is a cosmogram, a geometric projection of the Universe. It represents the Universe not only as inert outer space, but also as rotation in time; both dynamics and statics are considered

• Mana is a supernatural secret power.

arise here as a life process "developing from the basic principle (beginning)" revolving around the central axis, Mount Sumeru, axis mundi, on the top of which the sun rests, and the base goes into the mystical underground depths.

We find here the symbolism of the Babylonian zik-kurat *, the Chinese imperial, as well as the Iranian city, images of the world, in the center of which man merges with the universal forces, the psychic energy of which he assimilates.

O Mandala serves as a visual support for meditation, necessary for initiation into various tantric cycles. Applied to the ground using rice powder or multi-colored sand, or on silk fabric, its design obeys unchanging rules. Each detail has a symbolic meaning and helps the meditator in his effort to concentrate, directing the emotional and mental currents towards a spiritual perspective, bringing them closer and closer to the center of the individual, to his true Self.

O Mandala consists of a square inscribed in a circle divided into three parts. The outer, fiery circle of the mandala (or fiery mountain), consisting of five colors, is a barrier to the uninitiated, symbolizing the elements and knowledge that should burn away ignorance and lead the meditator to the sought knowledge.

The second circle is a diamond belt, or vair, a symbol of higher knowledge, bodhi - a state of enlightenment, which, once experienced, remains unchanged, like a diamond.

The third circle is represented by a belt of lotus petals and symbolizes a state of purity, conducive to the harmonious flow of meditation. Inside it is drawn a mandala, or palace, a square divided into four triangles, on each side of which there is a ledge representing a door leading to one of the hundred.

• Zshskurat - a giant tower in the Chaldean and Babylonian temples. - Note. perce.

a crown of light, guarded by four cosmic guards and adorned with half a pearl.

The perimeter of the square, which represents the wall, is painted in five primary colors.

The center of the mandala is identified with Mount Meru - the axis of the world. It is surrounded by a circle of vaira and looks like a lotus flower with eight petals, in the center of which is the object of veneration - a deity, his attribute or symbol. The bud dispels the radiant emanations of the Buddhas or their symbols, originating from the rays of the Void.

The meditator must grasp the mystical connection between the elements of the earthly world and the divine, and gradually master the parts of the mandala. By moving to the central figure, the symbol of the absolute, he becomes identified with the divine spectacle and acquires the integrity of consciousness. O Hindus give life to these diagrams (as well as statues of deities) before performing in front of them the cult rite of Pranaprtishtha, the purpose of which is to transmit the energy of the adept to an inanimate object through psychic fluids.

О Exact copies of the mandala, images in the sand of the Pueblos and Navayos Indians perform redemptive, healing and magical functions. Painted with sand of symbolic colors, imbued with cosmic energy and supernatural power, crushed stones, chalk, coal, ocher, etc., containing mythical figures located according to the cardinal directions, pictorial symbols of sacred elements (sun, moon, lightning, rainbow, stars, lakes, clouds, birds, etc.)” mandalas are surrounded by a protective rainbow. O The same symbolic function is performed by mosaics of colored powder used by the Hopi Indians in initiation rites: one of them embodies the sun, emitting rays feathered like arrows; a piece of quartz covered with feathers and placed in the center of the diagram represents the heart of the sun.

These symbolic figures, a kind of written rituals, laid the foundation for carpets, embroidery, acting as a talisman; they initially served as the main object of magical rituals. O A principle similar to the principle of the mandala underlies the construction of temples: at the very entrance, the believer finds himself in a sacred place where the sacrament is performed. By his appearance in the holy of holies, according to the prescribed rules, he joins the Universe and, when he enters the mystical center of the sacred temple, he finds himself transformed and merged into one with the primary Unity, the secret principle of his own life, his own mystical essence, the enlightened beginning of his own consciousness, which radiates his psychic capabilities and abilities. O Adepts of some tantric schools resort to interiorization of the mandala: mental visualization or bodily identification with the mandala through the revitalization of the chakras, the intersection points of the individual's cosmic and mental life, is equivalent to penetration into the center of the mandala.

A geometric composition symbolizing spiritual, cosmic or psychic order. Although the Buddhist mandala is known primarily as a tool for meditative practice, it dates back to ancient times. both in Buddhism and Hinduism, it was also a symbol of initiation, oriented believers to sacred places Mandala - an attempt to depict the highest reality - Spiritual Wholeness, which surpasses the sensory world. In Sanskrit, mandala means circle, and even when this geometric composition is based on squares or triangles, it still has a concentric structure. It symbolizes the desire for a spiritual center, mental and physical, which is reflected in the structure of many temples and stupas in the form of a mandala.

A striking feature of all mandalas is the high visual harmony of its constituent elements, symbolizing the divine harmony itself, opposed to the confusion and disorder of the material world. Jung believed that the mandala is an archetypal symbol of man's longing for psychological interaction with other people.

Other researchers believed that a mandala is a visual expression of a spiritual journey beyond the self. The meanings of different mandalas differ; some have figurative elements that are meant to symbolize certain qualities, such as those represented by specific bodhisattvas, often seated in a lotus flower. Nevertheless, the overall meaning of the composition remains unchanged and symbolizes the guiding mind, supernatural structures, and the clarity of enlightenment.

(Sanskrit) - primarily a circle, but in a broader sense in the Indo-Buddhist region, as well as in Lamaistic Tibet - means of concentration and meditation constructed from circles and forms formed from them. Such structures are mostly drawn and painted with paints, but they are also designed compositionally, and then clearly copied in the construction plans of temple buildings. They are, in the truest sense, spiritual images of the world order (cosmograms), often combined with elements of four-dimensional orientation (see Square). In this case, as with targets, there is a pointing to the center, leading to a “narrowing of the mental field of vision” (C. G. Jung) with the expectation of contemplation and concentration of attention on the spiritual content and intuitive way of knowing, which, thanks to this, in a deeply felt form must take root in the psyche. In the center, in accordance with the nature of the teaching and the degree of initiation, there are various symbols, for example, in the Indian system of Tantrism - the diamond “wedge of thunder” as a symbol of the final unification of the male and female principles, overcoming the dualistic system (“Shiva-Shakti” in Kundalini Yoga).

Alchemical symbols also often have the character of a mandala, although we are not talking here about an obhistorical connection with Asian prototypes. Complex psychology in the understanding of C. G. Jung Interprets mandala symbolism as “archetypes” (original prototypes) born to humanity, which can spontaneously appear in culturally and historically unprepared people during the process of spiritual maturation (for example, in dreams, visions or in free living images) - as symbols of immersion and deepening into chaotic phases in order to express the idea of ​​​​the spiritual core of existence, internal reconciliation and integrity.

As a means of meditation in the proper sense, mandala images are designated by the Indian expression yantra.

Hindu term for circle. It is a type of yantra (instrument, method, symbol) in the form of a ritual geometric diagram, sometimes corresponding to a special prophetic property or some form of magic (mantra), which is thus given visual expression.

Camman suggests that mandalas were first brought to Tibet from India by the great guru Padma Sambhava in the 8th century AD. e. They can be found throughout the East as a means of achieving contemplation and concentration - as an aid in inducing certain mental states and in supporting the spirit as it moves forward along the path of evolution from biological to geometric forms, from the material to the spiritual.

According to G. Zimmer, mandalas are not only drawn or drawn, but also built in real life for some celebrations.

One of the monks of the Lamaist monastery of Bhatya Basti, Lindem Gomhan, described the mandala to Carl Gustav Jung as “a mental image that can only be constructed in the imagination by a knowledgeable lama.” He emphasized that “no mandala is the same as another”: they are all different because each is a reflected image of the mental state of its creator or, in other words, an expression of the change introduced by the psychic content into the traditional idea of ​​the mandala. Thus, the mandala represents a synthesis of traditional structure and free interpretation.

Mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit, and mandala art refers to symbols that are drawn or otherwise depicted in a circular frame. Mandala art has been used throughout the world as a process of self-expression, aiding personal growth and spiritual transformation.

Purpose of the mandala

The very fact that mandalas are drawn in a circle can lead us to the experience of wholeness. When done correctly, a mandala has a central point or focus within the symbol from which a symmetrical design emanates. This suggests that in each of us there is a center with which everything is connected, through which everything is ordered, and which in itself is a source of energy and strength. Almost every spiritual and religious system known to man speaks of the existence of such an inner center.

The use of a mandala refers to a process aimed at integrating and harmoniously expressing the totality of human nature - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Mandala art can help explore these levels associated with the human unconscious.

Creating a mandala

There are many ways to create a mandala. The easiest option is to draw. First, a circle is drawn on paper or canvas. It can be filled with drawings spontaneously, expressed in creative, unpredictable forms. Or you can fill the circle with special images, combining the work with deep relaxation, meditation, using visualization techniques, etc.

The value of mandala art

What is the value of mandala artwork? First of all, by drawing these symbols, we take our attention away from external concerns and connect with our own inner space. It helps you relax, refreshes and fills you with energy.

Secondly, mandala art is a private process of self-confrontation and self-expression that does not depend on other people. In searching for the meaning of our life experiences, we can sit down any time we want, draw a circle, fill it, understand the reflection of what is happening inside, and figure out what it means.

Thirdly, through the mandala we can discover where our energies are blocked, what we are resisting, what roles and actions we are stuck in. Or, using compelling and graphic ways, we can celebrate our successes by depicting things that have inspired or touched us in life.

Fourth, mandala art can help us find harmony, love and learn from the very center of ourselves, the higher self. One of the greatest challenges in life is to open and replenish the deep wells of inner wisdom that flow within us. Mandala art awakens our inner genius, helps it communicate and express itself directly.

Fifth, mandalas can help us see the larger cycles at work in our lives if we do them regularly and then look at a series of designs that have developed over time.

Functions of color

Color serves symbolic functions in everything from Buddhist spiritual art to modern psychoanalysis and graphic design theory. When used in mandalas, color often imbues the work with even greater symbolism and meaning.

The meaning of color in tantric Buddhism

The Buddhist tradition uses many visual images in its practices. Color has a special meaning in Buddhist art, as the concept of enlightenment is often represented by "pure light" or the encapsulation of all the colors of the rainbow.

There are five specific colors that are associated with tantric religious texts, and the sixth - black - covers everything and nothing. Traditionally, the following meaning of mandala colors is used here:

1. White - peace, relaxation, contemplation.
2. Yellow - nutrition and restraint.
3. Red - submission.
4. Blue - healing, wisdom, life.
5. Green - exorcism.
6. Black - anger, death.

The five primary colors, excluding black, represent the five personifications of Buddha. Each of these incarnations of the Buddha is displayed in the corresponding color that they symbolize.

The meaning of color in Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, mandalas are created according to religious texts, the specifics of creation depend on the purpose. For example, the Mahavairocana Sutra says that the mandala should be painted in five colors, following a prescribed path from the center to the outer edge:

1. White - openness.
2. Red - strength, vital energy.
3. Yellow: - humility.
4. Blue - infinity, purity and life.
5. Black is darkness.

However, other colors such as green and gold are often found in Tibetan mandalas. Green often symbolizes nature and the balance between man and earth, while gold often symbolizes the sun and fire.

In Tibetan sand mandalas, colors are carefully placed according to specific teachings. Their main meaning is as follows:

1. White - faith.
2. Yellow - effort.
3. Red is memory.
4. Green - meditation.
5. Blue - wisdom.

Mandala color meanings in psychology

In the 20th century, psychoanalyst Carl Jung first used mandalas in therapy as an expression of the patient's unconscious. In many ways, Jung was influenced by Eastern philosophy, so it is not surprising that many of these color associations are similar to their Buddhist predecessors. For example, red symbolizes passions from anger to lust, yellow indicates intelligence and intelligence, and purple represents a creative and sometimes narcissistic tendency.

Mandalas made of threads, sand, and beads can have both traditional and modern meanings.

Modern color meanings

Now that mandalas can be found in coloring books almost everywhere, everyone can access the ancient healing and meditative resources of this art form. The way colors are used can affect the feeling and mood of creating them.

While color theories are often based on some of the early symbolic meanings of mandala colors, in modern times people have developed cultural associations with certain colors. For example, blue may be associated with feelings of sadness, while green may be associated with feelings of envy. Red, black and white, on the other hand, have retained meanings closer to the earlier and traditional ones. Red often symbolizes anger (as well as love), black is still associated with death, and white continues to represent elements of purity and innocence.

As a rule, when creating your own mandala, regardless of its purpose, you are guided by the usual color values. For example, when making a mandala by date of birth, the meaning of colors can be used the same as in modern color theory.

When creating a mandala, you need to carefully listen to yourself and your feelings. Then look carefully at the different colors and trust your intuition. At the same time, we should not forget the basic meaning of flowers. Then it will be easy for you to choose what color to paint the mandala.

Also, colors are chosen regardless of the material of manufacture. It can be sand, beads, threads. So, when weaving a mandala from threads, the meaning of the colors remains the same as when drawing.

Basic symbolism of the mandala

In modern and traditional use, there are certain components of mandalas that have deep symbolic meaning. Perhaps the most important element of a mandala is the center point. In ancient Greek and Roman traditions, this central point often meant "I." In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the center represents the starting point of contemplation and devotion to the divine.

Description and meaning of traditional mandala symbols

Traditionally, mandalas have been used in religious practices, both as a form of meditation and as a way of connecting with a spiritual entity. In the Hindu religion, the mandala has been so significant that most of the holy places and temples are built using the mandala as a plan or template. Therefore, each tradition usually uses certain symbols that are relevant to the culture.

Yantra: For the Hindu religion, a Yantra is a repeated mantra that usually refers to deities. Therefore, when used in mandalas, the Yantra takes the form of a geometric design - usually a circular shape within a square, which is implied as an embodiment of a particular deity.

Celtic design: Celtic imagery comes from Western European countries. They often symbolize unity, balance and energy. The Celtic cross is one of the most famous symbols and represents the transition between the heavenly and earthly realms.

Wheel: A mandala usually has the shape of or includes a wheel. In Buddhism, it represents the circle of life and embodies the process of seeking enlightenment. In Native American cultures, the wheel is often used as a symbol of the connection between man and nature.

Lotus: In Buddhist traditions, the lotus is one of the most significant symbols. The lotus flower is symmetrical and can therefore be associated with balance and unity. The meaning of the lotus flower mandala is very important; it symbolizes purity and connection with the divine, as well as the desire for unity with the Universe.

Vajra: It is a ritual object that has deep meaning in Buddhism and Hinduism. The vajra is often used to represent beliefs and a strong spirit.

Description and meaning of modern mandala symbols

In a modern context, mandala symbols are often derived from traditional patterns and usually refer to the same properties of connecting the earthly realm with the spiritual. Nowadays, the meditative power of mandalas makes them popular, and the symbols used are often less specifically associated with divine contemplation and are instead universal images that transcend cultural and traditional meanings.

Sun: This is a universal symbol that has been used since ancient times, and continues to be a popular basis for mandala patterns. The sun symbol can represent the universe and often carries meanings related to energy and life, as the sun supports growth and life on the planet.

Heart: This symbol is also universal and hence often used in modern contexts. Hearts most often symbolize love and devotion, but since the heart is also an important organ in living things, it can be associated with life.

Tree of Life: This symbol draws on meanings related to life and growth. Each part of the tree has a separate meaning; roots are often stabilizing or grounding forces, while leaves can represent both strength and aspiration.

Animals: Can represent different meanings depending on the characteristics of the creatures depicted. Animals are popular in a modern context because they are secular symbols that are used regardless of religion.

Labyrinth: Although the labyrinth design has had great significance in historical traditions from the Greeks and Romans to the Native Americans, the pattern remains popular in modern customs. Labyrinths often represent a path or journey that culminates in a sense of wholeness and enlightenment.

Triangle: if it is located with the apex up, then its main meanings will be determination and strength; if its apex faces downwards, it will mean indecision and weakness.

Spiral: clockwise direction means the beginning, in the opposite direction - devastation, waste of energy.

The main meaning of the “flower of life” mandala, according to many people, is associated with comprehension of the universe, the ability to model one’s own destiny, and improvement of karma.

Application of mandala

Our body participates in the mechanical act of drawing, and we experience our own nervous system in a new way in the subtle movements associated with the act of drawing. Our mental patterns are reflected in the specific shapes and structures that appear within the circle, and feelings are reflected in the use of color.

Drawing and painting a mandala can be a very enriching personal experience in which one looks within oneself and finds the shapes, colors and patterns in one's heart.

A mandala can be created to symbolize the state of mind one is striving to achieve. Mandalas are great tools for meditation and increasing self-awareness. Many cultures use mandalas in their spiritual practices.

The best thing about creating your own mandala is that you have the freedom to choose any shapes and colors according to your feelings.

Made from different materials

To draw a mandala you will need paper, a pencil, a ruler and an eraser. You can paint the mandala in different colors using colored pencils, felt-tip pens, and watercolors. Some people prefer to use ready-made printed shapes that you simply color in.

A mandala woven from multi-colored threads is considered a good amulet. Depending on the meaning of the colors of the mandala, the one that will most help bring you closer to what you want or tune in to the desired mood is selected.

During the manufacturing process, the mandala is charged with positive energy, which helps to achieve harmony with the outside world. In this case, symbols play as big a role as the meaning of color. Making a mandala from threads is quite simple, you just need to choose the appropriate colors of threads, preferably wool, choose the pattern you like and get to work.

Mandalas can be of different sizes and made using different techniques. When deciding on a design, you should remember when weaving a mandala about the meaning of colors.

Over thousands of years, people have come up with everything to improve their health and treat their soul and body. Recently, art therapy has become increasingly popular - a simple and effective way of healing. One of these most effective and powerful forms is mandalatherapy.

What could be better and more enjoyable than to completely surrender to the creative process, plunge into it headlong, and in return receive not only a lot of positive emotions, but also be filled with the healing energy of sacred circles! The healing power of mandala designs has been used for a long time in many Eastern cultures.

If you have been on the path to recovery for a long time or cannot overcome an illness for a long time, if you suffer from depression, insomnia, without the slightest doubt, pick up pencils, paints, paper and act.

The result will not be long in coming: after just a couple of weeks of regular practice, you will be pleasantly surprised - it has been verified!

What is a mandala drawing?

Mandala is a symbol of the wheel of life, the cosmic processes of existence. The surrounding nature is diverse with mandalas: a lacy mesh of cobwebs, annual tree rings, bird nests, a sunflower flower with mature seeds arranged in a counterclockwise spiral.

Mandala drawing is the creation of an individual sacred symbol in the shape of a circle, which reflects our inner self. In the process of work, internal conflicts are resolved and tension is relieved. Mandala is a unique tool for self-development and self-knowledge, which allows you to solve important problems.

Mandalotherapy pulls negative emotions out, makes you healthier, and resolves internal conflicts. But it is negative energy that takes away a lot of vitality from us: a person begins to get sick and weaken.

These are powerful techniques through which self-healing occurs. With this therapy, tears appear in the eyes. The subconscious releases the accumulated pain.

It is very important in the process of drawing not to forget about even, calm breathing and observe your body. It can give signals (cold, heat, pain) about where the problem is lurking.

In a stressful situation, you can also use a drawing that will allow your emotions to pour out - keep paper blanks with you.

It is useful to draw the same mandala every day and then observe the dynamics - what has changed in it.

Create your own mandala drawing

For drawing, choose a larger sheet, for example, A3 format, so that you can easily go beyond the boundaries of the circle. Using a simple pencil, draw a circle. You can, for example, circle a large plate with a diameter of 27 cm. There should be at least 3 cm from each edge of the sheet to the circle.

Find a central point in the circle that gives you a sense of balance. This will help achieve a steady state. Remember those natural forms that develop from the center, for example, flowers, snowflakes, sea shells.

You are part of nature and you have a certain center from which you can grow and develop. Start drawing from this center, depicting a certain figure of one color or another, and let the composition build itself, as if without your direct participation. Trust the unconscious - let it choose the color, shape, location.

With this drawing you can learn a lot about yourself: when you finish the drawing, you can read your mandala using the meaning of the symbols.

View your work at arm's length or a little further away. Answer the questions: how do you feel now? How did you feel before drawing? How has your condition changed? How does your mandala drawing make you feel?

Remember that there is no right or wrong mandala, it is what it is. It reflects your current state. You can contemplate the finished work for 10-15 minutes a day in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. You need to start from the center and untwist your gaze in a spiral. Try to turn off your brain.

You can say to yourself:

“I want to get the funds that I need to solve this problem. Help me and give me these opportunities."

Numbers in a mandala drawing

Meaning of numbers

1 - individuality, unity and beginning. May indicate high levels of self-esteem.

2 - conveys a state of tension, division and conflict. If we look at the number 2 as a sacred union of opposites, it becomes a healing connection that heralds the return of harmony.

3 - vitality, energy. May symbolize the family unity that comes with the birth of a child.

4 - speaks of balance, integrity and completeness.

5 - mandalas characterized by a five can open you to the real world, showing a sincere desire to give it a piece of yourself.

6 is the number of creativity, perfection and balance. When six appears in your work, you may be in the final stages of some project that has required a lot of time and energy. You may be experiencing a pause during which you can enjoy a feeling of satisfaction, completion, and even pride.

7 - can talk about the completion of a certain phase of life, about a matter that has come to its resolution, or about a wish come true. The number seven brings its divine past into our mandalas, where it brings good luck on the path of self-discovery.

8 is the number of stability, harmony, rebirth. You may find that eight in your mandalas foretells important changes in your life.

9 - can herald the presence of benevolent spiritual energies that will strengthen your desire for personal growth.

10 - Expresses your adherence to traditional moral standards or rebellion against them, shows spiritual inspiration, a sense of balance or a practical approach to life.

11 - It is possible that in your mandala the number 11 reflects conflict moving into a process that moves you towards a fuller realization of who you truly are.

12 - can draw attention to the passage of time and the completion of a cycle. For example, when you complete a project, end a relationship, or close unfinished business from the past.

13 - When you see thirteen in your drawings, perhaps it is a sign that you have moved into a new phase of life. Thirteen may suggest that the weight of the past is preventing a new direction, especially when you haven't finished what happened before.

Symbolism in mandala drawings

The outer border is represented by a colored line, which is a favorable sign. In the absence of such a boundary, one can assume a loss of mental integrity, since the mandala characterizes the “I” of its author. At the same time, what is outside the circle is associated with the environment external to the individual. If the outer border of the mandala is dense, one can assume a desire to protect one’s fragile self.

The vast unpainted space indicates the desire of the author of the drawing to hide or suppress his feelings. In combination with a slightly noticeable outer border of the circle, it indicates readiness for contact.

The size of the center of the picture: small - indicates reduced self-esteem; is completely absent - it is possible that the work characterizes the author’s ego.

Embryo. If the image in the center has the appearance or resemblance of a fetus, this may indicate the person's inability to cope with stress. Often, a picture with an embryo is drawn by alcoholics, which reflects their increased vulnerability and weak character. Often, when depicting an embryo, sinuous lines are used.

The square in the middle can correspond in your imagination to a garden or yard. You should ask yourself whether it is closed or open. If the entrance to the “garden” or “yard” is closed, perhaps the author is experiencing stress or wants to leave feelings and sensations stable. A cube, a square is always something material, physical; this is how the earth is designated. If the square is orange, the person is trying to resist the pressure that is exerted on him from the outside. If a square has an "entrance" and an "exit", it can be regarded as a door and gate through which energy passes.

Triangle - indicates movement. Top up is a sign of activity, the desire to protect oneself and one’s interests. Top down - movement down towards the ground, perhaps even towards death and destruction.

The eye is associated with the ability to know - to understand. May mean supernatural ability - clairvoyance. The presence of many eyes in a drawing can have both positive and negative meanings: it can mean the feeling of the presence of an observer watching a person from the outside, the feeling that others are looking at you. Then it’s worth thinking about what these eyes see in a person, and then comparing it with reality.

Flowers can be harbingers of spring, revealing revitalization or acceleration in the cycles of personal growth. They may mean the fulfillment of a goal or task that required more diligence on your part.

Heart (symbol of love), means the feeling of love or infatuation. And also spiritual zeal. In both personal and spiritual love, a heart pierced by an arrow signifies devotion, despite testing conditions.

Heart - associated with courage, sadness, joy. Hearts can speak of wounds and suffering, especially if they are purple; broken, pierced by an arrow, more often symbolize unrequited love, but can indicate the process of separation from the mother and the suffering associated with this.

Spiral - speaks of the desire for growth and integrity. Sometimes it can mean awakening, acceleration of energy.

Drops - associated with human tears arising from sadness, anger, joy, liberation from emotions too strong to keep inside. Like rain, purified tears wash away sorrow, anger, and rage, making way for forgiveness. Four drops means that there is something in your environment that seems to be preventing you from using your full potential.

If the drops are red or purple, this is a sign that you have to make some kind of sacrifice. Mandalas containing shapes resembling drops of rain or blood indicate signs of the natural internal process of purification.

Small circles within the design can protect, guard, or release some aspect of the self. Sometimes the circles intersect and overlap each other, forming an almond-shaped shape (mandorla). Mandorla appears in mandalas when a person experiences a state of grace. A mandala with an empty center suggests that a person is ready for change.

Cross. The combination of horizontal and vertical lines resembles the shape of the human body in perfect balance. Or expresses life's difficulties. The desire to depict a cross indicates that a person is fighting a heroic battle. Maybe he is struggling to make the right decision or embarking on a new path.

The star resembles a man standing firmly on two legs. The appearance of an asterisk in the drawing indicates the ability to realize inspiration in reality. Countless little stars speak of potentials, competing goals.

Lightning - symbolizes the beginning of a new thing, powerful spiritual awakenings. When you draw lightning, consider whether you are going through some kind of dramatic change.

Hands can mean a willingness to actively take care of your life or the health of your body.

Colors in a mandala drawing

Each color has both a positive and negative meaning, depending on the context where it is used (in this case, we will be deciphering the finished mandala that we are drawing).

Black. And it is associated with the denial of life - with destruction. On the other hand, it is a psychological death that precedes a new life. A preference for black may indicate rationalism, clarity, brevity, laconism.

Grey . People who prefer the color gray are characterized by common sense, a sense of proportion and the ability to solve complex problems. In a negative sense, gray can be associated with sadness, depression, illness, and a tendency to criticize. If you give preference to light gray tones, then we can assume that the person is ready for a full and adequate response to a stimulus; dark gray is characterized by increased sensitivity.

White . considered the color of purification and divinity. It can become a great healing color, as it contains the energy and power of transformation. Has a tonic effect on the human body. Anyone who prefers white (unpainted areas) needs liberation from unpleasant circumstances.

Yellow . Bright yellow color indicates high intelligence and strong character. Unlike orange, yellow is associated with healthy self-affirmation. Light yellow color reflects a clear mind and curiosity. It often indicates a good relationship with the father. Toning color.

Orange - indicates a strong emotional dependence on a man, which can manifest itself in both feelings of love and hatred. What is said positively about yellow is also true for orange, but to a higher degree. An orange sun may indicate a state of hidden aggression in children.

Red - associated with male manifestations and physiology, the ability to defend one’s interests. If there is a lot of this color, it may indicate anger and the need to take revenge on someone. Red and black speaks of aggression. We cannot exclude the presence of problems associated with various prohibitions, as well as blood diseases. This color indicates the ability to protect one’s interests, to defend one’s self. A constant absence of red may indicate passivity and a lack of ability to get things done.

Pink is the color of reconciliation and is good in critical situations. A lot of pink indicates emotional fragility and insecurity, the need for protection.

Blue - associated with a place where a person feels protected and free from any obligations. In women's mandalas, this color indicates a positive attitude towards oneself. If color is used in large quantities by a man, it may indicate some passivity.

Blue . Indicates intuitive abilities (especially dark blue). A lot of blue signals a state of anxiety and depression.

Green also indicates the ability to take care of others and oneself. The absence of this color may indicate increased nervousness, excitability, and irritability.

Brown - expresses vital bodily-sensual relationships. Gloomy, dull brown speaks of experiencing a conflict situation. Brown can also be a sign of great potential. If there is a little of this color in the center of the picture, then this may indicate low self-esteem of the author.

Mandalas for coloring download

Conclusion: the mandala drawing represents a living cell with a unique structure and consciousness.

Best regards, Olga.