Personal Personal MandalaMandala

What is a Mandala, you What is a Mandala, you ask?ask?

Mandala: any of various geometric Mandala: any of various geometric designs (usually circular) designs (usually circular) symbolizing the universe; used symbolizing the universe; used chiefly in Hinduism and Buddhism as chiefly in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation an aid to meditation 

It literally translates to “Circle” or It literally translates to “Circle” or “Center” “Center”

Temporary Sand Temporary Sand MandalaMandala Tibetan monks create Tibetan monks create impermanent impermanent

mandalasmandalas as an act of meditation. as an act of meditation. When they’ve completed the mandala, When they’ve completed the mandala, they sweep it up and release the sand they sweep it up and release the sand into a moving body of water to spread into a moving body of water to spread the mandala’s blessings.the mandala’s blessings.

Notice how they plan their pieces out first!

Chenrezig Sand Mandala created at Chenrezig Sand Mandala created at the the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on the occasion of the on the occasion of the Dalai Lama's visit in May 2008 visit in May 2008

Personal Mandalas:Personal Mandalas:

What is a Personal What is a Personal Mandala?Mandala?

In the West, In the West, mandalamandala is used to refer is used to refer to the "personal world" in which one to the "personal world" in which one lives. The significance of objects lives. The significance of objects within a mandala are conveyed by within a mandala are conveyed by shape, size, and color; they can be shape, size, and color; they can be abstract designs or specific images abstract designs or specific images of people, places, and ideas that are of people, places, and ideas that are central to a person’s lifecentral to a person’s life

Mandala Basics (design)Mandala Basics (design)

• circular design in layers radiating from the center

• center symbolizes that which is beyond our understanding

• circumference reflects its potential as well as boundaries

Materials NeededMaterials Needed

A rulerA ruler A home made compass – made by A home made compass – made by

using cardboard and a hole punch!using cardboard and a hole punch! Thick paperThick paper Acrylic paint (this does not come out Acrylic paint (this does not come out

of clothing)of clothing) Paint brushesPaint brushes WaterWater

Your Assignment…Your Assignment…You will create your own personal mandala You will create your own personal mandala

using paint. The overall effect must using paint. The overall effect must resemble the examples I’ve shown you resemble the examples I’ve shown you today. today.

1)1) Grid out your paper into squares and then Grid out your paper into squares and then make your circle. Draw lightly!make your circle. Draw lightly!

2)2) Plan your images – They can just be symbols Plan your images – They can just be symbols or colors to represent what you think is or colors to represent what you think is important.important.

3)3) Draw the mandala out first on your paperDraw the mandala out first on your paper4)4) Paint your images carefullyPaint your images carefully5)5) Check to be sure that you have at least five Check to be sure that you have at least five

layers.layers.

A few more examples:A few more examples: