By Kathryn Bell, MSW, LMT
Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means sacred circle, center, and circumference. It refers to ancient Indian and Tibetan paintings in which a circle is often the central focus or organizing shape. These elaborate images depict a microcosm of the world. A Buddha or related symbol sits in the center. The overall appearance is a symmetrical, harmonious image that suggests balance and wholeness. Mandalas were created as a meditative art for the purpose of contemplating the world and man’s relationship to it. It is believed that deep meditation on the mandala would bring one to the center of pure consciousness, waking up to the unity and oneness of life.
Traditional mandalas continue to be created today. Many of us have been fortunate to witness Tibetan monks create intricate sand mandalas and their ceremonial destruction, an illustration of the impermanence of life. Contemporary artists often incorporate the basic structures of the mandala in their works, many utilizing the computer to create intricate designs. Why this fascination with the circle?
The circle is found in the art and culture of civilizations around the world, often with the intent of conveying harmony and balance. Some examples include ceremonial sites such as medicine wheels, kivas, and stone circles. We dance and hug in circular shapes. Nature provides an abundance of circular patterns in bird nests, flowers, the sun and moon, and spider webs. Closer to home, we find circles within our bodies: the single cell from which we originated, muscle bundles, and the orbit of the eye. Circles are us!
Mandalas have also entered the world of psychology. Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, valued the arts in his approach to psychoanalysis. He encouraged his patients to draw, paint, and sculpt as a mean of inner exploration. Jung used himself as an example of the power of creative expression. During a difficult time in his life, he began to make circular paintings and discovered not only insight into his issues but his anxiety and depression had lifted. He called these paintings mandalas — a reference to the Eastern art — and declared that the mandala was the symbol of the Self, a unifying center of the personality that manifests harmony and full potential. As a result of Jung’s theory, the mandala is now a part of many art therapy programs working with individuals in treatment for substance abuse, trauma, sexual abuse, cancer, grief, and more.
Creating a mandala is a simple, enjoyable activity for creative expression and inner work. Art training is not essential. All that’s needed is a circular shape to draw around, such as a plate, and tools for filling in the space (markers, colored pencils, pastels, paint, etc.). The circle becomes the focus and container for the colorful shapes and imagery that “magically” unfold. While working, one notices the breath calms, muscles relax, and time is suspended. We discover the center of our being and experience its depth and wisdom. Through examining colors and symbols used in the mandala, the artist often gains insight into a dilemma awareness of a core issue, and possibilities for resolution. Many who were hesitant to explore a creative activity soon discover an outlet that opens the door to further creative expression, and an inner resource for self-healing.
Kathryn Bell, MSW, LMT, is a certified facilitator in Mandala: Holistic Reflection of the Self and offers individual and group experiences in creating mandalas. For further information, contact her at 309-268-0585. Community Education at Heartland Community College offered Creating Mandalas this fall and it will be offered again in the spring. The spring schedule will be available on the Community Education website in early January, www.heartland.edu/communityEd or call 309-268-8160 for more information.
Photo credit: shoo_arts/iStock