Lorena A. Ortiz
Wiregrass Ranch High School
Interdisciplinary Perspectives of the Himalayan Region

 

Mandalas

Mandalas are a symbolic pictorial representation of the universe. Mandala originated in India, however it is also used in Tibetan Buddhism. Mandelas are constructed on consegrated grounds for rituals and are temporary structures built of impermanent materials such as grains,sand, watercolors or butter. Mandalas are deliberately destroyed afterward and are swept up upon completion of the initiation or ritual and poured into a nearby stream or river.

 

A traditional Hindu mandala is a metaphor of the universe (God) and has three parts:

    • Outer Square : The square has a gap in the middle of each side aligned to the four directions. (N-S-E-W) which are gates into its world. The square does not appear in all mandalas.
    • Inner Circle with a central point (the “hub” of the wheel): The circle represents the cosmos emanating from God at its center. It is also called a cakra which means wheel. Man is often depicted on the rim of the wheel where he is subject to the rebirths of samsara.
    • Inner Triangle(s) An upside-down triangle represents the female principle; the opposite triangle represents the male principle. They overlap to form a six-sided star. The triangle does not appear in all mandalas.
    In Tibetan Buddhism, a mandala is an imaginary palace that is contemplated during meditation. Each object in the palace represents some aspect of wisdom or guiding principle. Tradition dictates the shapes, sizes and colors of these objects. There are many different mandalas, each with different lessons to teach. Most mandalas contain a host of deities as well as inanimate objects. View Ephemeral Arts of Tibet slide show created by Professor Dina Bangdel for the NEH Institute 2006.
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In this activity student will create their own mandala after viewing the Epheral Arts of Tibet slide show and lecture. They may use the attached Mandala outline or create their own. They should take into consideration the meaning of the color used in their Mandala.

 

 

 

* see Fincher, Susanne F. Coloring Mandalas for Insight, Healing, Self-Expression ( Boston : Shambala Publications, 2000) p. 17.

 

 

This site was created by Lorena Ortiz at the NEH Summer Institute "Cultures and Religions of the Himalayan Region," held at the College of the Holy Cross, Summer 2006