The
mandala, Sanskrit for centre or magic circle, is
an instrument for contemplation, meditation &
relaxation
It represents the cosmos, a geometric projection
of the world reduced to its essence, its wholeness,
an organized entity from whose centre flows an integrative
energy.
The mandala is an object of therapeutic play. A
sensual game without an explicit objective. Its
multiple movements stimulate motor skills while
revealing images of the interior organization of
a person whether it be conscious or unconscious.
The
mandala distracts from the chaotic outside world
by concentrating the imagination on an object that
doesn’t demand any of the intellectual skills
thus answering a need to quell the anxiety caused
by consumerism and technological waste by knowledge
of unity and originality. Mandalas fascinate by
the magic of their movements. They are examples
and symbols designed to open up the infinite possibilities
of the subconscious .
Although originally from Índia, it was in
Tibet that the mandala was developed to its complex
entirety, in an artistic sense as well as in meditative
ritual, emphasizing cosmic unity.
Richard Wilheim, modern translator of “I Ching”,
the ancient Chinese book of changes, studied the
role of mandalas through the various different cultures:
Hindu, Tibetan, Buddhist, Christian (up to the beginning
of the Middle Ages) and esoteric traditions. The
Swiss psychologist, Carl G Jung, made a profound
study of the work of Wilheim, discovering that his
patients improved and were made calmer by use of
the mandala. In ancient times the great masters
drew mandalas in the sand and later on cloth in
complicated designs and colours, in front of which
their disciples meditated, in search of their own
spiritual path, illumination or nirvana. Mandalas
were also used to help in cures, with the person
being the centre of the mandala.
The mandala is used as a basic instrument in the
second major process of human growth (that which
starts when physical growth is complete); that is,
the development and coordination of the intuitive
capacity.
Mandalas of 13 elements are linked to the number
thirteen and its connotations of good and bad luck
in the West. Its form and meaning are the same as
for the one of 7 elements. The upper and lower parts
interlink forming the mandala golden flower which
is a representation of the vaults of Gothic cathedrals.
The
Japanese mandala or “kaleidocycle”
is based on the technique of origami and forms stars
of 4 or five points. The star is the universal symbol
of the spirit.
The
Tibetan mandala has been used for more
than 3000 years for contemplation and meditation.
It’s formed from 7 elements as 7 is the magical
and mystical number of the Eastern cabala. It represents
the living relationship between the divine (the
three of the trinity) and the human (the 4 elements:
water, air, fire & earth).
Tibetan monks used the mandala to explain the formation
of the world according to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.
·
1. In its first, closed, position, it represents
the atom, the birth of material from chaos.
· 2. By raising the upper movable parts,
the sky is built, a cosmic vault suspended above
our heads.
· 3.By lowering the lower parts the sea is
formed, the origins of animal life.
· 4.Separating the two semi spheres we have
the cosmic egg or Earth. Made up of various spirals
with a stone set in each it represents the world
in motion in the universe and the atoms that make
up material.
· 5.By closing and turning the central sector
the poles are formed. As the earth was created good
and evil separated forming spiritual life.
· 6.By opening up the upper and lower parts
unitl they are flat we create the future. This represents
the Tibetan Buddhist monks symbol or VARJA and also
the tao or throne of Buddhist knowledge
· 7.Pushing the upper part even lower forms
the lotus, Buddhist symbol
_8.Bringing the lower part upwards forms the sacred
drum used in ceremonies. Rhythmic use of this accompanied
mantras or religious verse
· 9.Placing the fingers within the centre
and pushing outwards the mandala returns to its
original form
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The
Chinese mandala or I Ching is made
up of 6 large and 6 smaller wires in the form
of lines tri-grams and hexagrams. Although
it has 6 sides it always forms triangular
shapes, representing the divine. When the
mandala is closed it forms a square symbolizing
humanity.
To
make a lucky amulet – change the shape
of your mandala mentalizing your desires for
7 consecutive nights. |
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How
to use a mandala to promote good health
·
Psychology – relaxation, tranquility, concentration,
harmony, creativity, imagination and remembering
and interpreting dreams.
· Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy
– motor skills, coordination, relaxation,
concentration, creativity & imagination.
· Treatment of Disease: improvement of diseases
caused by tension (strokes, heart problems, high
pressure, alcoholism, asthma, bronchitis etc) or
those that affect mobility (rheumatism or arthritis).
· Esoteric purpose: meditation, contemplation,
remembering and interpreting dreams, harmony
| Biography
- "The
Secret of the Golden Flower” CG Jung
& R Wilheim.
-
“Man & his Symbols” CG Jung.
-
“Memories, Dreams & Reflections”
CG Jung.
-
Teoria e Prática da Mandala, G. Tucci
- Ed Pensamento;
- Mandalas, R.Dahlke - Ed Pensamento;
- Mandala, J. e M. Arquelles - Ed Shambala.
- I
Ching: The Book of Changes R Wilheim.
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The
Infinite Void
Without
beginning, without end
Without past, without future
A radiant light circling the world of
spirit.
We forget each other, pure, silent,
empty and omnipotent.
The void is crossed by the brilliance
of a heavenly heart.
Smooth is the water of the ocean and
the moon that reflects on its surface.
Clouds vanish from the blue sky; mountains
shine lucid
Consciousness dissolves in contemplation.
Alone rests the globe of the moon. |
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