Knowing about Mandalas Designs and Their Significance

Author: Michael Rodopoulos

Let us know all about Mandalas to understand the designs and patterns better.

One of the well-known patterns is Mandala. It is an extension of relaxation through colored patterns.

Mandalas are circular geometric designs. Many people consider drawing and coloring a mandala as one of the best ways of meditation. They find it relaxing while coloring different patterns as it offers spiritual peace and your mind is focussed on creating those patterns.

What does Mandala originate from?

Ideally, a mandala is believed to be a spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism.

The symbols represent the universe from different aspects. The word mandala is derived from the Sanskrit language which means "circle."

As we know circle has no end and it is similar to the universe which has no end. This Sanskrit word represents everything circular.

When it comes to tantric traditions, it indicates sacred space that can be found in any shape like square or round.

The basic version of mandala tends to be a square having four ports with a circle and a central point.

Mostly mandala is present in an outer circle. You will find it in a lot of ancient mandalas though there are plenty of variations.

You can also fill the mandala with a distinct pattern like

  • Geometric figures

  • Flowers

  • Buddhist saints and many more

The mandala is created to concentrate while meditating. Due to its symmetrical shape, your concentration is diverted to the center point.

Irrespective of what mandala you are using, coloring can be quite relaxing and meditative.

Coloring Mandala is helpful for everyone - Why

Well, to color mandalas you can be from any religion as it is an engaging activity that is helpful for everyone. Here is how

Adults

We all face stressful situations where our brain stops getting positive thoughts. Even if you spend an hour coloring a mandala it helps you relax. The thoughts disturbing your brain will vanish and you can feel the change at your mind will be relaxed.

Children

Mandala is a combination of patterns and doesn’t represent any reality as such children can have fun exploring their creativity.

Children love selecting the color of their choice and they are free to do so even with mandala. They know the selection of basic colors like blue color for the sky and green color for the tree. As the mandala can have a combination of all the colors, experimenting with colors will be all fun for children to be busy and unwind from their monotonous routine.

Elderly people

When it comes to elderly people, coloring mandalas can help them improve their memory. Many mandalas are of similar shape and they allow you to create elegant symmetrical patterns. To color the mandalas beautifully, elderly people to ensure that the colors are uniform. So, the time spent and focus required to pick uniform colors and engaging in coloring makes them exercise their brain and enhance memory.

Can mandalas be drawn on canvas directly?

If you are willing to draw a mandala on canvas, you can certainly do it. It works best. You can also draw without the need of priming the canvas, but the shade of canvas which is not primed would be darker display the pencil sketch.

What are the different types of Mandalas?

Mandalas are available in different varieties, types, and forms, but the two main types of mandalas are

Garbha-dhatu

It means "womb world". It is called as taizo-kai in Japanese

Vajra-dhatu

It means "diamond world" and is termed as Kongo-kai in Japanese

A few other types of Mandalas are

  • Architectural mandala

  • Aztec mandala
  • Bodhi mandala
  • Body mandala
  • Butterfly mandala
  • Celtic mandala
  • Christian mandala
  • Circle mandala
  • Ceiling mandala

Celtic mandalas are found on designs of decorative mandala coloring poster, dome clothes, key holders, glasswork and tapestry, etc

Why is a Mandala created?

Well, though there are many other options for meditating or attain peace and positivity in life, art-making stands out of all other options. The reason being art-making not only indulges you in creativity but also offers wellbeing, positivity, and relaxation.

Through art-making, you connect your body, mind, and soul. When you are engaged in exploring the creativity within you, nothing else strikes your mind and concentration towards the most beautiful thing on earth connects you to yourself.

Apart from just mandala designs, you can find yoga, abstract and geometric designs crafted by freelancer artists.

Interestingly, if you are fond of mandala designs then you can wear them. Yes, you can find mandala t-shirts in different designs. You can wear these t-shirts on different occasions. Why not make it part of your closet. Try out mandala t-shirts available in different stores designed by professional designers. Appreciate the art and the ideas that these designers bring in for you.