Mandala symbolism

  

A mandala is essentially a circle – though importantly a sacred circle

 

The circle is a universal symbol, signifying totality and wholeness; the infinite and eternal but also timelessness as having no beginning or end. It symbolizes celestial unity.

It is the devotional motif of East Asian religions

For Tibetan Buddhists it is a sacred image, a sphere of spiritual nurture. It is used as a meditation for spiritual well-being and self-discovery.

It is the pilgrimage of the soul, symbolic of the universal spirit.

It is an Imago Mundi – a world image – a map of the cosmos.

In psychological terms Carl Jung suggests that the mandala symbol is a symbol of individuation. Individuation is the process of becoming truly self-aware and in touch with one’s whole being.

I have chosen to use the word mandala to give full recognition and honour to the Tibetan monks whom I have watched making their sacred sand mandalas. They use coloured sands and ground-up semi precious stones to create ancient traditional patterns which are imbued with specific meanings.

Love, peace and meditation is embedded in the making of the mandalas

My mandalas are inspired by the Tibetan ones, but are not trying to replicate them.

My mandalas are ephemeral and transitory and always use only natural found materials.

I equally experience a meditative state when making the work, and hope to evoke a  sense of reverence, respect and awe for the beauty of our natural environment.

 

 

 

 

Gallery 1