The art of mandala dates back to ancient times that have great historical importance. Mandala is originally a Sanskrit word that means “circle” or “completion”. It is recognized and valued in many cultures all over the world for its power of healing and relaxation. Renowned psychoanalyst Carl Jung has referred it to as a “representation of the unconscious self.”
Mandala art not only focuses on the mind alone. It transcends the levels of our understanding of life and represents the entire universe in a frame. Hence, they help to form a deep connection of your ‘self’ with the whole world. While creating a mandala, one experiences a deep bonding with the mind and spirit. It has a similar calming effect, just like yoga or other forms of meditation.
How Is The Universe And Mandala Art interrelated?
The living beings on earth constitute of multiple cells. The cells are then made up of the nucleus. With a closer look at the construction of the nucleus, you will find different circles with centres. Other elements like mountains, ice and rocks, all of them are made of atoms. Each of the fragments is a mandala.
Again, the solar system is a part of the Milky Way galaxy, and the earth is a part of the solar system. Each unit or mandala is a part of a more massive structure. In a nutshell, all mandalas come under different mandalas. They are present everywhere if you can observe it.
Mandala Art Is Unique And Personal
The creation of mandala art is a therapeutic experience. It connects your inner being with outer reality. The whole process needs introspection or a close study of your mind. Therefore, a mandala is an utter representation of your soul with a profound personal experience. The mandala shapes and figures are mostly thoughts, wishes or desires that you wish to achieve. Here, you have full liberty to decide your shapes and colours without adhering to any set of norms. Hence, every mandala is unique and extremely personal for the creator.
Mandala As An Art Therapy
Both Hindu and Buddhist traditions regard mandalas as sacred symbols of cosmic power that help in the promotion of growth. Psychiatrists have identified the influence of mandala in treating issues related to the mind. Artistic expressions like mandala can help to treat depression, hyper-aggression, grief, stress, etc.
In mandala art treatment, the psychiatrist allows the patient to express his/her thoughts on paper by creating mandala art. For some patients, this kind of mental therapy is self-centring and is not very useful. On the other hand, some other patients genuinely benefit from this practice. They are capable of outpouring their emotions in the form of mandala figures. The psychiatrist studies the mind of the patient by identifying the kind of data they draw on paper.
Apart from relaxing both mentally and physically, mandala art also opens the doors of your imagination and creativity. This creative energy helps in manifesting a world full of possibilities.
Learn the basics techniques of this art form and allow your dreams and desires to come alive as mandalas.