Mandalas have been on my mind since I made the SunM⚭nRain one a week ago in Raja Ampat. So this morning I decided to make another one (short cut this time though using an App) from my Lapis Lazuli bracelets and then spent time researching them so thought to share here what I learnt in a nutshell.

The meaning of Mandala comes from the Sanskrit word "circle" & represents the Universe. Circles appear in nature in many forms, the sun, moon, snowflakes etc and are symbol of wholeness, continuity, connection, unity, harmony and also represents the cycle of life.

Tibetan Buddhist Monks and Native American Indians all use mandalas as a way of evoking spiritual energy, meditation and healing. A mandala is designed to be visually appeasing and is always in balance & symmetry so as to absorb the mind in such a way that chattering thoughts cease and our spiritual essence emerges leading us to higher consciousness. As such, it is often used as a part of a meditation process where before meditating on the mandala we set the intention to perhaps more clearly understand our life journey, or be shown guidance in a particular area we are having challenges with.

In Buddhism, a sand mandala is used as a meditation on impermanence & after creating the intricate pattern, the sand is brushed together into a pile and spilled into a body of running water to spread the blessings of the mandala. Very similar to what I did with the SunM⚭nRain one I made last week on the beach. 

This was a good reminder for me on the nature of impermanence and to live in today’s moment, to be present & have gratitude for everything around me. Onward forward _/|\_

Do you have a mandala or have made one? Please do share with me what you have experienced or know about Mandalas here on this blog.

Shabnam ~ February 25, 2015

Here below is the SunM⚭nRain Mandala I made from my bracelets last week in Raja Ampat in loving memory of my late father, and for the happiness of everyone everywhere. MCM : Jan 9 1939 - Feb 19 2003 #747