Mandalas For Meditation
The word mandala comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and loosely means “circle” or “center.” It’s a simple geometric shape that has no beginning or end. Considered to be highly complex maps of the cosmos, mandalas are symbolic spiritual images which, when meditated on, can bring about profound inner transformation.
To the Tibetan monks, the sand mandala represents multi-dimensional fields of spiritual consciousness and the state of enlightenment. To the Native Americans, the medicine wheel, a form of mandala, symbolizes sacred ceremonial space and the circle of life. In both eastern and western cultures, the mandala has come to symbolize harmony, unity, wholeness, and healing.
When selecting a mandala to use in meditation, just opt for one that appeals really strongly to you.
Meditation relies heavily on concentration, so before using a mandala that you have selected, find a quiet place to sit, far from distractions or noise. Try to absorb the peaceful atmosphere around you and focus initially on stilling your mind, breathing slowly and deeply. Use the following step-by-step guide as a prompt to good practice.
Place your mandala in a location where you will be able to see it while sitting in a comfortable position. Begin your meditation session by relaxing with a few slow deep breaths. Gaze at your mandala and allow yourself to be drawn in by it. Do not strain your eyes to look intently at it. Instead, maintain a very calm focus and be sure to keep your face and neck muscles relaxed.
How to Meditate on Mandalas
1. With the chosen mandala placed on a table or on the floor at arm’s length in front of you, perhaps on an improvised easel, level with your eye-line, sit comfortably, either on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, or on a cushion with your legs crossed. Breathe slowly and deeply, from the diaphragm, while emptying and stilling your mind.
2. Gently gaze at the mandala and relax your eyes so that, initially, the image goes slowly out of focus. Sitting quietly, concentrate on the image fully and allow its shapes, patterns and colors to work on your unconscious mind. If distracting thoughts arise, let them drift away and gently bring your focus back to the mandala.
3. Do this for at least 5 minutes initially. In later sessions, gradually try to build up your meditation period to 15 minutes. When you are ready, slowly bring your attention back to the world around you.
Color Meanings for Mandalas
RED Mandalas- for strength, high energy and passion
ORANGE Mandalas- for creativity, transformation, self-awareness and intuition
GREEN Mandalas for physical healing, psychic ability, love of nature and caring
BLUE Mandalas for emotional healing, inner peace and meditation
Manadalas To Color:
To the Tibetan monks, the sand mandala represents multi-dimensional fields of spiritual consciousness and the state of enlightenment. To the Native Americans, the medicine wheel, a form of mandala, symbolizes sacred ceremonial space and the circle of life. In both eastern and western cultures, the mandala has come to symbolize harmony, unity, wholeness, and healing.
When selecting a mandala to use in meditation, just opt for one that appeals really strongly to you.
Meditation relies heavily on concentration, so before using a mandala that you have selected, find a quiet place to sit, far from distractions or noise. Try to absorb the peaceful atmosphere around you and focus initially on stilling your mind, breathing slowly and deeply. Use the following step-by-step guide as a prompt to good practice.
Place your mandala in a location where you will be able to see it while sitting in a comfortable position. Begin your meditation session by relaxing with a few slow deep breaths. Gaze at your mandala and allow yourself to be drawn in by it. Do not strain your eyes to look intently at it. Instead, maintain a very calm focus and be sure to keep your face and neck muscles relaxed.
How to Meditate on Mandalas
1. With the chosen mandala placed on a table or on the floor at arm’s length in front of you, perhaps on an improvised easel, level with your eye-line, sit comfortably, either on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, or on a cushion with your legs crossed. Breathe slowly and deeply, from the diaphragm, while emptying and stilling your mind.
2. Gently gaze at the mandala and relax your eyes so that, initially, the image goes slowly out of focus. Sitting quietly, concentrate on the image fully and allow its shapes, patterns and colors to work on your unconscious mind. If distracting thoughts arise, let them drift away and gently bring your focus back to the mandala.
3. Do this for at least 5 minutes initially. In later sessions, gradually try to build up your meditation period to 15 minutes. When you are ready, slowly bring your attention back to the world around you.
Color Meanings for Mandalas
RED Mandalas- for strength, high energy and passion
ORANGE Mandalas- for creativity, transformation, self-awareness and intuition
GREEN Mandalas for physical healing, psychic ability, love of nature and caring
BLUE Mandalas for emotional healing, inner peace and meditation
Manadalas To Color:
