What are MANDALAS? Mandalas are religiously significant works of art. Often referred to as "sku gsun thugs rten," in the Tibeten religion, mandalas are "body supports;" and signify the three "bodies" of enlightenment. Mandalas are also known to be "mind supports" that are representative of the spiritual embodiment of the Buddha.
The core of mandalas are the essence. The circumference of mandalas are the grasping force of the essence. And the essence of mandalas are the "heart" of the Buddha.
If one can recall the now infamous Spiro Graph® developed in the latter part of the 1900s for children of all ages, one can only begin to imagine what mandalas appear to be. Using a Spiro Graph, individuals can create colorful and unique paper mandalas with mere movement of the hand. Mandalas are, in essence -- circular, spiraling shapes within geometrical encasings.
Used in tantric rituals of initiation, mandalas are constructed during the onset of initiation out of grains of colored sand. As they are created on a special platforms, mandalas are destroyed after the initiation and poured into a stream or ravine.
Tibetan Buddhist monks must learn how to create mandalas as part of their craft. Memorizing text, names, lengths and positions of primary lines are all essential to the construction of mandalas. Monks develop this skill with repetitive practice and expertise.
Mandalas are also used in ancient healing practices. For individuals wishing to improve physical and emotional health; and for those seeking spiritual and personal growth, mandalas are excellent vessels for transformation. By focusing and concentrating on various mandalas, the inner channels of one's mind and heart allow healing to begin from within -- mind, body and spirit.
Mandalas