What is a MANDALA?

The word is Ancient Sanskrit (a classical Indian language developed over 2,300 years ago) loosely translated to mean holy“Circle” or the essence of unity. It represents wholeness and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself-a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite,the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and our minds.

One can distinguish three principles of order in the structure of a mandala:The center,the radiation emanating from the center,and the periphery of the circle.

Most often pronounced “Man da la’ (mon) as in “ah”

The Tibetans see it as an ideal diagram of the cosmos (the world within our universe as we know it) called “Kyil-khor”which means center and periphery.

It is an object of meditation that can lead one to enlightenment.

The native Americans use it for healing rituals ie; the four directions in a circle.

Ancient Christian cathedrals use it as a “labyrinth’ a mandalic pattern for walking in to the center (this is not the “maze” style of labyrinth).It is used for centering, meditational prayer and connecting with God.

An old Gnostic saying reminds us ”God is a circle, whose center is everywhere and whose border is nowhere.”

It is used for self expression,greater self awareness,personal growth and understanding universal spiritual connections.

To understand we are all one,connected.