Life as they say is not fair. We all face ups and downs in life, go through unexplainable emotional turmoil sometimes. During our lowest we give up hope, and we stop trusting ourselves. We wish for time to stand still. I, also have faced many such downs and lost hope. During my desperate times, as saviour came the ‘Mandala Art’.
Mandala art form is quite ancient and first appeared in the Buddhist art. It made its way to India during the first century B.C.E say various books. Mandala meaning ‘circle’ in the ancient Sanskrit language, is a geometric design holding inordinate importance in Buddhist and Hindu art forms. Asian culture is rich in symbols that is spiritual and has ritualist values. Mandala art represents the universe visually, while the inner representation is acts as a guide to different practices of the many Asian traditions. The belief is that you experience the cosmic process of shifting the universe from suffering to that of joy by entering the Mandala and moving towards its centre.
There are three known forms of mandala, that are widely used in various cultures, spiritually and artistically.
1. Teaching Mandala
This art form represents the many aspects of philosophical and religious system. The student of this art creates his/her own designs, show casing a visual symbolisation of everything learnt by them.
2. Healing Mandala
This art as the name suggests is made for inner healing. It evokes feelings of peace and helps one focus.
3. Sand Mandala
This mandala art form uses coloured sand to create many intricate paintings using various symbols that represent the impermanence of human life.
Traditionally, the mandalas include designs such as a tree, jewel, flower or a wheel that represents the Buddha’s mind in an abstract form. The dot in the centre is a symbol observed as free of dimensions and is the starting point of the art, which represents devotion to the divine. From there on, it is surrounded by many geometrical patterns and lines that represents the universe, while the cycle of life is shown by the outer circle.
Some common symbols within the mandala include:
• Wheel with eight spokes
• Bell
• Triangle
• Lotus flower
• Sun
There is more to learn about Mandala art form if one is interested in history and various cultures in Asia. Mandala has found its way around the world not only for beautiful designs but also for the inner peace it brings.