Màndàlà

 

Artist : khusi chandra

 

 For those who have not heard about mandala art, the term comes from the Sanskrit word for circle and refers to a sense of wholeness. The strokes begin from the centre of the canvas which become the focal point; from there geometrical patterns radiate out in circles hiding layers of meanings. The resulting masterpiece is a symbol, a prayer, meditation, introspection, healing and a blessing — all in one — whichever way one looks at it,” says Prarthana. “Simply gazing at the circular symphony of shapes and patterns evokes a feeling of calm and contentment representing the connection between our inner world and outer reality,” she adds.

Mandala art form is said to hold significance in religion as well. . For instance, the mandalas as seen in Buddhism and Hinduism, represent the eight fold path of spirituality.

       

         

Exploring designs with pens is fascinating and my favourites are Brusto fine liners and micron pens,” says Prarthana, adding that there are no specific pens for creating mandala art. We can use different pens with different sizes of nibs in different colours, depending on the artist’s creative thought process. The best thing about designing mandalas, is the freedom to choose the colours, shapes and themes while sticking to the basic circular pattern. When done with precision, the end product almost looks like it has been printed. The mandala you draw is yours, nobody can replicate it. And that is what makes the art form so unique. Many people and cultures have vouched for the mandala’s intrinsic meaning. Buddhists, Tibetans, and Hindus have all derived meaning from the mandala and its captivating beauty. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung has called it “a representation of the unconscious self.” The mandala is widely recognized as a meaningful reflection of its creator.  Mandala art therapy & healing can be a great source of reflection on one’s soul. Mandalas can be seen all around us, but are not just people-centric. They are larger than life. Mandalas represent life as we know it, but they also represent a larger ecosystem and universe that exceeds our consciousness. The circle with a center pattern is the basic structure of creation that is reflected from the micro to the macro in the world as we know it. It is a pattern found in nature and is seen in biology, geology, chemistry, physics and astronomy. Flowers, the rings found in tree trunks and the spiraling outward and inward of a snail’s shell all reflect the primal mandala pattern. Wherever a center is found radiating outward and inward, there is wholeness–a mandala. Within the Milky Way galaxy is our solar system and within our solar system, is Earth. Each is a mandala that is part of a larger mandala. The very nature of creating a mandala is therapeutic and symbolic. The shapes and colors you create in your mandala art therapy will reflect your inner self at the time of creation. Your instinct and feeling should inspire and guide you through the process of creation. As with most art therapy, it’s not about the final product…it’s about the journey. When you reach your destination, you will have a representation of something meaningful and personal…a snapshot of you for a brief moment in time expressed through your mandala.