MANDALA ART

1. About

• meaning the “circle” or the “centre” in Sanskrit, a mandala is defined by a geometric configuration that usually incorporates the circular shape in some form. 
• While it can also be created in the shape of a square, a mandala pattern is essentially interconnected.
• It can also be created in the shape of a square, a mandala pattern is essentially interconnected. 

2. Background

• Mandala is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. Mandala imagery first appeared in the Vedas (c. 1500-500 BC), and Buddhist missionaries travelling along the Silk Road are believed to have taken it to regions outside India. 
• By the sixth century, mandalas were recorded in China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Tibet. 
• Separately, native American peoples are believed to have used the mandala as a representation of a deity or the cosmos, and as a spiritual form.
• It is believed that by entering the mandala and moving towards its centre, one is guided through the cosmic process of transforming the universe from one of suffering to that of joy

3. Elements 

• There are various elements incorporated within the mandala, each of which has its meaning. 
• For instance, the eight spokes of the wheel (the dharmachakra) represent the eightfold path of Buddhism (practices that lead to liberation from rebirth), the lotus flower depicts balance, and the sun represents the universe. 
• Facing up, triangles represent action and energy, and facing down, they represent creativity and knowledge.
• In Hindu philosophical systems, a mandala or yantra is usually in the shape of a square with a circle at its centre.
• A traditional Buddhist mandala is a circular painting that is meant to help its creator discover their true self.
• It is believed that by entering the mandala and moving towards its centre, one experiences a cosmic process of transforming the universe and that of moving from emotions of suffering to the feeling of joy.

4. Fusion of Mandala in Modern Indian Art

• Deep-rooted in ancient philosophy, the mandala has attained varied forms in the hands of modern and contemporary Indian artists.
• While it continues to appear in thangka paintings, it has a central place in the practice of mainstream artists associated with the tantric and neo-tantric spiritual movements.
• Choosing to transition from the more figurative depictions of the previous generations of Indian artists, in the 1960s Sohan Qadri and Prafulla Mohanty gained widespread recognition for their works.
• Their work is imbibed in tantric symbolism, such as mandalas that are also used in the rituals of tantric initiation.
• Geometric compositions also dominated works of artists such as Biren De, GR Santosh, Shobha Broota, and famously SH Raza, who visualised the Bindu as the centre of his universe and the source of energy and life.

5. How mandala can aid in Therapy

• As part of art therapy, participants are encouraged to create and colour mandalas. 
• Studies have also been conducted to understand if mandalas can help reduce stress. 
• Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung explored the psychological effects of mandalas and introduced them to psychotherapy. 
• He saw the mandala as an expression of one’s innermost self and asked his patients to draw and describe circular drawings.