Mandala (Sanskrit: Mandala, 'circle') is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the Universe. The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T. Mandalas often exhibiting radial balance.
MATHOMATHIS - EXPLANATION OF MANDALA
The term is of Sanskrit origin. It appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other particularly Buddhism.In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe. {Source : Wikipedia}
A mandala shows that the center of any circle is tied to its circumference and the circumference is determined by the center. As such, the mandala represents wholeness. Therefore, your character mandala should represent the whole character, not just one aspect. A Mandala also represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds.
Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. Many mandalas have spiritual significance to an individual or group of individuals. The Hindus were one of the first people to use a mandala as a spiritual tool, but the mandalas most individuals are familiar with, are ones made by Buddhists.
Mandalas are used for meditation purposes allowing the individual meditating to become one with the universe. There are not many who are able to achieve this state of mind from just studying a mandala. The symbolism behind the creation of a mandala can have significant meaning for many individuals whether they are Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Pagan or of any other religious orientation.
Mandalas can be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life. Mandalas can also tell a story of where an individual has been. In some cases they will reveal the individual's path in life. Groups can create mandalas that will reveal what they should be doing in order to grow and develop as a group.
Now, let us understand the Meaning of Mandala in various traditions
MANDALA AS A HOLY CIRCLE
MANDALA AS A HOLY CIRCLE
Mandala is a circle that represents Wholeness, that represents Divine, our relation to the Infinite, the world within our body and mind and the world outside. The mandala is used in many spiritual traditions all around the world. Mandala Meaning with Native American Indians, Native American Indians have medicine wheels and sand mandalas.
MANDALA MEANING AND AZTECS
Circular Aztec calendar is in a form of a mandala
The sacred calendar of the Aztecs of Mexico consisted of a 365-day calendar cycle and a 260-day ritual cycle. The calendar also gives a reading of the significance of each day.
MANDALA MEANING IN TIBET
ADD PAINTED 19TH CENTURY TIBETAN MANDALA OF THE NAROPA TRADITIONCAPTION
In Tibet, mandalas have complex geometrical shapes and are often used for meditation. Mandalas are sometimes made of sand to emphasize the impermanence of life. When finished, the monks destroy the mandala sweeping it into a river, blessing the water. This action also symbolizes the cycle of life.
Mandalas in Tibet, within the tradition of Tantric Buddhism, are sacred geometric figures that represents the Universe The word 'mandala' comes from a Sanskrit word that means 'circle'. Monks construct a mandala in a ritual while chanting mantras. In Tibetan Buddhism, contemplation and meditation on a sacred image is central to their spiritual practices and rituals, and a mandala is one of the most sacred of all images.
TAOIST YIN AND YANG AS MANDALA
TAOIST YIN AND YANG AS MANDALA
In Asia, the Taoist 'yin and yang' symbol is a mandala (circle representing Universe). The yin and yang symbol consists of a circle divided into two halves - one white and the other black. Within each half is contained a smaller circle of the opposite color. The symbol represents Tao (Divine, Universe, God) and the primordial female (Yin) and male (Yang) energy that gives birth to all the manifested world.
Yin and Yang are co-existing together dancing their Cosmic Dance continuously transforming one into the other. One can not exist without the other, as night can not exist without day, and life can not exist without death, each contains the essence of the other.
ASTROLOGY ZODIAC CIRCLE AS AN EXAMPLE OF MANDALA
ASTROLOGY ZODIAC CIRCLE AS AN EXAMPLE OF MANDALA
The astrology zodiac circle is a circle of Life that maps all the Universal energies in their interplay of forces. A horoscope is a map of heavens: Sun, Moon, and the planets are in a dynamic relation to each other at a specific time, viewed from a specific place on Earth. There are 12 astrological signs with their planets and each sign and constellation of planets has its own particular energy pattern that influences people on Earth. The astrology zodiac circle is an attempt to understand Universal Laws as manifested on Earth, to comprehend God and its manifestation. The astrology zodiac circle shows the Earth at the center with the planets around it.
MANDALA MEANING AND YOGA
MANDALA MEANING AND YOGA
In the yoga practices mandala is used to support meditation. Different types of mandalas are used to represent and worship different Gods. Mandala usually has an image that inspires the Spiritual Growth and self development. One of the example is: Sri Yantra or Chakra ('holy wheel') that is a drawing of nine interlocked triangles in a circle, radiating out from the central point. It represents the creation of the Universe and the union of Masculine and Feminine Divine.
