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What is a Mandala?
Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle - the most basic, perfect, and perhaps most powerful of all symbols.
Circles have always been symbols of unity, wholeness, continuity, community, eternity and connection.
The circle represents earth, balance, completeness, eternity, continuation, connection, and unity. It is the beginning and
the end, but has no beginning and no end.
It can be a container, but is complete and perfect without content. In the context of the Mandala,
it is the space within which we create, and its power enhances the design within.
In this context, a Mandala is art in a circular form.
Personal Mandalas are used as tools for self-expression, self-discovery and insight.
Within each of us is great wisdom and creativity. Using Mandalas as a point of focus, bringing us totally into the
present moment, can help tap into this reservoir of understanding - and make it conscious.
Mandala can also mean an plan or chart which represents a universe.
Many ancient Mandalas are considered sacred, and are used as subjects for meditation, protection and healing.
The faithful reproduction of these sacred designs is also considered to impart knowledge or power.
Personal Mandalas have been used by therapists and individuals as tools for self-exploration, or simply as a creative outlet.
In a broader sense, our entire planet is a collection of Mandalas - circles with a center. The atoms and
cells which make up all things are circles with a center. Our planet, solar system, galaxy, and universe
are all Mandalas contained within larger Mandalas.
In the art gallery you will find several personal Mandalas I have created using pastels on canvas.
The personal Mandalas on this page were created digitally, using PhotoShop.
In addition, I have created a number of designs suitable for coloring, which will be available soon for download.
As always, thank you!
Diana
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