The meaning of the word mandala in Sanskrit is circle. Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. The circular designs symbolizes the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected. The mandala also represents spiritual journey within the individual viewer.

The vajra is the weapon of the Indian Vedic rain and thunder-deity Indra, and is used symbolically by the dharma traditions of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, often to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power.

Bonshō are sited in Buddhist temples, usually in a specially designated building or tower called a shōrō (鐘楼). They are used to mark the passage of time, and to call the monks to liturgical services. In Buddhism, the bell’s sound is considered to be calming and to induce a suitable atmosphere for meditation.

Your mandala is your sacred circle, and it tells your story. Drawing mandalas as a form of art therapy can reduce anxiety, tension and overall stress. Drawing stimulates creativity and is a way to release emotional blockages.

People who color mandalas often experience a deep sense of calm and well-being. It’s a simple tool that doesn’t require any expertise, but it can be remarkably soothing and nourishing. Mandalas not only focus your attention but also allow you to express your creative side, which many of us neglect in our daily lives.

Mandalas are traditionally used in many eastern spiritual traditions as a tool to aid meditation. In western culture, mental health counselors often use mandalas as a form of stress relief, a tool for art therapy, and as a meditative exercise.

Mandalas became a portal to human consciousness. Mandalas have been used as art therapy. Mandala Art is considered both therapeutic and symbolic. While the circle in the center of Mandala is believed to ground oneself, the shapes, design, colours and symbols reflect the inner realms of the person who is making it.

All mandalas are based on a circle, and then infused with other designs to form a deeper meaning. Geometric mandalas are said to vary according to various cultural and religious significance, but there are several designs that have become increasing popular for their countless meditative benefits.

circle geometry

How to Draw a Mandala

1. Materials needed: You don’t need many materials to learn how to draw a mandala.
2. Now you’ll want to connect the dots into circles. To do this, start at one dot, and draw a curved line to the next dot, and so on.
3. As you draw more and more designs, your mandala will start to look more complex.
4. Voila!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Mandala

1. Begin by drawing a circle.
2. Draw a second circle surrounding the first.
3. Draw two more circles within the first, one inside the other.
4. Enclose nearly circular shapes between the inner circle and the outer circles.
5. Add detail within each petal.

Beautiful hues result from combining yellow-orange, blue-green, and purple. Alternatively go in for yellow-green, blue, and red. Violet, blue-green, and yellow-green are also good color combinations for mandala patterns.

To ensure that your mandala is as stress-free to color in as it should be, follow these tips:

1. Choose your colors.
2. Start from the center.
3. Be meticulous and use the same colors for any repeating elements.
4. Relax.
5. Add tonal gradients and blends.

Place the compass point in the center of the circle and draw a circle, jumping over each petal. Set the compass to create a smaller circle, and repeat as many times as you wish, to create a series of rings behind the petal shapes. Or, begin drawing your circles from the center as I showed in the video.