What is mandala? Mandala is `circle´ in the Sanskrit language, and mandala art refers to symbols that are drawn, sketched or painted in a circular frame. Mandala art has been used throughout the world as a process of self-expression, in the service of personal growth and spiritual transformation. Tibetan Buddhism has employed mandala art for thousands of years to capture the images of gods which it believes. Navajo sand painters use them in their healing rites. Many native people use the Medicine Wheel, a mandala form, to connect to earth energies and the wisdom of nature.
Mandalas are designs that take the form of a circle symbolizing the notion that life is never ending. Many mandalas have spiritual significance to an individual or group of individuals and some times they are used in rituals. The Hindus were one of the first people to use a mandala as a spiritual tool and this was long ago but the mandalas most are familiar with are the ones made by Buddhists.
Many times mandalas are used for meditation purposes so that the individual meditating can become one with the universe. There are not many that can achieve this state of mind just from studying a mandala. The symbolism behind the creation of a mandala can have significant meaning for all people whether they are Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, or any other religion.
They can be created by an individual to symbolize their journey through life. Mandalas can also tell the story of where the person has been and many times will relate to that person where they should go in life through their own personal revelation. A group can create a mandala that will reveal what they should be doing in order to grow and develop as a group.
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