What’s A Mandala? I’ve been contemplating the celestial order and balance of things. I’ve always been one to ask questions, and in my search for truth I’ve realized that if I can’t find the answers I’m looking for, it may be possible that there are other truths I need to learn first. This concept of line upon line or grace to grace requires work and patience, also a sincere desire to connect with God. This journey of life is about discovery, about learning and growing in consciousness, about broadening our perspectives until we finally become the measure of our creation.
I like to think of a circle, symbolic of eternity, wholeness and unity. When I’m out in nature, I see this geometric shape everywhere. In particular, I’ve been fascinated with the more complex circular shapes known as mandalas. From a center point the circular structure of a mandala radiates out in symmetry. I see it in my Hubby’s eyes, the flowers growing in my garden, and the spiderweb in the shed. I could see it in the fluffy white snowflakes that fell yesterday, and the apples I cut for my Thanksgiving pies.
The word “Mandala” comes from the Sanskrit root “mand” meaning to mark off, and the suffix “la” meaning circle or sacred center. The mandala is a spiritual or ritual symbol traced back to Indian temple architecture. The idea was to create sacred spaces to link the worshiper to the divine. Within the Indian temples, time and space were represented by circles and squares. This represented a sort of “floor plan of the universe.” Over time this symbol evolved throughout Asia, taking on the influence of various artistic and religious traditions.
While living in Europe I so wanted to visit St. Peter’s Cathedral at Worms. Constructed in the 1130-1181, this medieval cathedral had a long and poignant history. Truth be told, my fascination was driven by Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth.” I had no idea back in the 90’s, that I would later have this new interest in eastern studies, and there would be a common thread between my new found fascination with mandalas and the beautiful rose windows of the Gothic architectural style. These rose windows sometimes referred to as “wheel windows” are seen in Christian churches all over the world thoughtfully designed to let in light. It is theorized that the design for these magnificent windows in Europe came from the crusaders, returning home from the religious wars in western Asia. The windows were symbolic, and meant to draw the worshiper’s attention to a focal point and then extend out in symmetry with specific divisions of shapes. The geometry would all come together to create a cohesive whole.
There is a parallel between Eastern and Mesoamerican cultures as well. The Mayan civilization used calendars similar in form to a mandala, and the Aztec Sun Stone, housed in the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, is perhaps the most famous work of Aztec sculpture. Its meaning is still being debated, but believed to represent the four corners of the earth/universe, and perhaps the inner circles express time and space, non the less there is something familiar to this universal symbol, that has us wanting to know the deeper meaning of it all.
The mandala shape is used to connect the spiritual realm to our earthly realm, and can be understood in two different ways. Externally as a visual representation of the universe. Representing the universe, it is a model for the organizational structure of life itself. Like I described previous in our eyes, flowers or snowflakes. This cosmic diagram is a useful tool to aid in meditation and concentration. Similarly, the mandala helps the seeker of truth visualize the universe and their place in it, often in relationship to what the believer places in the center. The second way is conceptually like a circle of friends, a family circle or a community. In this sense it represents equality, closeness and protection.
Coming Full Circle
Mandalas are intricate and layered. They remind us of the cycles of life, the infinite universe and our connection to it all. The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed that mandalas were a representation of the Self, and often used them when working with his patients. He found that patients with no prior knowledge of mandalas intuitively created them. Drawing themselves as circles, flowers or wheels. Sometimes drawing a square with a circle inside, which he was particularly interested in. When he asked his patients what these symbols meant, he would get insight into their lives and personalities. Each individual expressed their need for wholeness in their mandala drawings. Jung said of himself,
“I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing, a mandala, which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time… Only gradually did I discover what the mandala really is…the Self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well, is harmonious.”—C.G. Jung
During my training at www.gobodhiyoga.com my teacher Syl created her own mandala. It means something to her and is on the wall in the space she has created to teach and train yoga students. It is where my interest in mandalas started. As I practiced yoga I pondered on the mandala. I wanted to know what it meant, and the meaning behind it. I want to create my own, to see if all that I have studied holds true. Making a personal symbol that represents me in the present moment would be an interesting reflection. Are you interested in nerding out with me? If so, I might just give more details in creating your own mandala in another post. Until then enjoy noticing the world around you, think of how you would draw yourself as a symbol. I usually draw myself as a tree, but I’m going for a circle this time. Presently I see me as Shel Silverstein’s “Missing Piece,” but who knows what I might find.
Namaste, Holly
