d_redant
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Joined: 03 Jan 2005
Posts: 1890
Location: London, UK.
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 Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:00 pm Post subject: Mandalas |
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The Sanskrit definition of the word Mandala is simply circle or circular picture. Mandalas can be expressions of universal archetypal symbols or symbols of a more personal nature. In Tibetan art, mandalas are graphic representations of the spiritual universe. Circular design motifs appear in many cultures, both past and present. Mandala are used as objects of power, devotion and meditative focus. Some mandala are not circular but the Circle is the most common form and beginning point.
There are forms of Mandala where the power or energetic effect is considered innate to the geometric form or correct and perfect depiction of the image form of the Mandala . There are Forms of mandala where the power and effect are considered to be derived from the intention and energy placed into the mandala by its creators and a third form is those that are considered as tools of connection to a source of energy information and universal spiritual essence .The symbolism and energies expressed by the mandala is impressed on the subconscious mind of the meditator . If used regularly in meditation, mandala can effect powerful, positive changes and growth in the user.
Mandala can be made as paintings, sculpture and carvings, drawings and sand or powder work as well as in mixed media . Some Tibetan Mandala are traditionally carved in Yak butter. Labyrinths, stone circles some petrogliphs and some ancient stone paintings and may be considered related to the mandala. Mandala also may be recognized in nature as the forms of opening flowers , ripple patterns in water, images seen in microphotography , crystalline and cellular structures and so forth.
Mandala and specific systems of mandala symbolism and design are found throughout the world.
Mandalas can be created as a form of meditation or as an aid to a realization ,for a devotional offering and dedication or as a way of focussing energy for purposes like prayer, affirmations , manifestation or healing or as part of a spiritual practice or for an altar piece.
Mandalas can be far more complex than most crystal grids. The placement of the stones is usually done in focused meditation for both grids and mandala . Mandala are most often gazed at and meditated with, but like grids are often created with intention and then left to continue the work of transmitting energy for a particular purpose, or created to energize and focus intention toward a particular goal such as healing or manifestation or to assist with symbolic expression of spiritual essence or spiritual connection Some mandalas employ sacred geometry or are symbolic depiction of core lessons in the particular path , faith or tradition from which the elements are formed.
Sand paintings, which are Mandala most known for their use in Tibet and Navaho traditions and in India can be thought of as a form of crystal mandala as the sand is mostly of rock and crystal origins. These forms of sand painted mandala are usually made under the strictest of control and focus according to traditions handed down in a sacred way for hundreds of years. They are made from careful placement of colored sand by hand , with small funnel like tools and with feathers and quills often being common tools. After these are made and used or dedicated for the intended work and a period of meditation. The mandala is swept away and the sand is discarded in a sacred way dispersing to the winds or into water being common methods . Those examples of Navaho Sand painting which may be found on display have always been altered in a way to preserve the secret of their correct sacred construction .The Tibetan Forms are extremely complex and traditionally one has fully visualized and memorized the structure before beginning to do the work.
A variation of sand mandalas is sometimes made with a fixative or with glue to make a more permanent mandala a similar mosaic type of mandala might be made with stone and crystal chips .
On occasions when you find it difficult to calm your mind for a traditional meditation a mandala making session may be relaxing and healing.
This is a form of active contemplation which can be as valuable as receptive meditations . It is most traditional to begin in the center point and move from the center outward most often in a clockwise circular direction .
You may want to create mandala from geometric or traditional spiritual patterns.
Many simple crystal mandalas are made in formations such as various star, wheel, compass, spiral and spoke patterns. Mandalas, whether in a geometric or intuitive free form with crystals or other media are most often done in a focused, intentional, dedicated , meditative or trance state.
You might use design elements in accord with your purpose in creating the mandala such as those associated with your birth sign and natal chart , with a Tarot major arcana card , with healing purposes and spiritual traditions and with totem animals or magical or healing herbs or with Guides , Gods ,Angels , Deva ,Dream and archetypal symbolism may also inspire your intuitive mandala .
When making a crystal mandala one generally begins with a focussed meditation and places stones either according to a standard pattern or intuitively . I often will take many of my stones and as a meditation place them intuitively in spirals or other patterns as I breath deeply .
Mandala forms are designs intended to symbolize the universe; a sacred space that reminds a viewer of the universe and the potential for enlightenment. You may also design mandala to help with personal issues and awakening .
Peggy Jentoft from solarraven.com |
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