Mandalas are colorful circular designs that symbolize the concept of eternal life, a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relationship with infinity. The word comes from ancient Sanskrit and means "sacred circle". They arise in traditional Hindu and Buddhist art, but if we look closely we find them in the expressions of almost every spiritual tradition in the world: in the rose windows of the great cathedrals, in the medicine wheels of the American Indians, in the I Ching, and in the circular Zen paintings, among many others.
In addition, the mandalas appear in all aspects of life: the Earth, the sun, the moon, and even in such everyday situations as our family and friendly circles. They all have a shape or we conceive of them psychologically as circles. The Hindus were the first to use mandalas as a spiritual tool, although today most believe they are exclusive to Buddhism. Since ancient times, mandalas have been used for the purpose of meditation, although today they have many uses, among them they are a tool to promote the ability to concentrate and creativity of school-age children. Mandalas are visually appealing in order to absorb the mind to such an extent that irritating thoughts disappear, a gentle way to push us towards meditation.
How to use a mandala
Choose a mandala that you like, find out its meaning or put one on it. Once the intention is decided, allow your mind to wander over the colors and shapes of the drawing, lose yourself in its beauty, let it absorb all your attention. Relax and let your feelings and thoughts flow. If you feel distressed, uncomfortable, or distracted, simply refocus your attention on the mandala. You are expanding the capacity of your mind and your memory; merging with the universe, you are assimilating the notion of union, totality, integration, and representation of the absolute. For a better understanding, it is interesting to know the meaning of colors in a mandala:
- White: Nothingness, purity, enlightenment, and perfection.
- Black: Death, personal limitation, mystery, rebirth, and ignorance.
- Grey: Neutrality, wisdom, renewal.
- Red: Masculine, sensuality, love, rootedness, passion.
- Blue: Tranquility, peace, happiness, satisfaction, joy.
- Yellow: sun, light, cheerfulness, friendliness, and receptivity.
- Orange: Energy, dynamism, ambition, tenderness, and courage.
- Pink: Feminine, childish, sweetness, and altruism.
- Purple: Love of neighbor, idealism and wisdom.
- Green: nature, balance, growth, and hope.
- Violet: Music, magic, spirituality, transformation, and inspiration.
- Gold: Wisdom, clarity, lucidity, and vitality.
- Silver: Extrasensory abilities, fluctuating emotions and well-being.
