Mandalas: Circles of Compassion

A Studio Art Introduction to Mandalas

INTRODUCTION:

This unit is designed for use in conjunction with San Leandro High School’s Season of Service. The Season runs from Martin Luther King Day,to Cesar Chavez Day, approximately 10 weeks. There are relay fasts, art exhibits, videos, web broadcasts, and a celebration at the end. The purpose is to create a sense of compassion, morality and ethical consciousness within our community. By creating mandalas, with conscious and symbolic intent, students will participate in creative expression, and experience the meditative peace of mandala making.

Educators can use this unit in a variety of ways; it does not need to be tied to a school wide project. Although it is designed for high school students, this unit can easily be used at any grade level. Because many of my students are English Language Learners, or Special Education students, I have kept the Powerpoint vocabulary simple. It can certainly be embellished with higher level language.
Also, there is software available to create mandalas in a computer lab, such as MandalaPainter.

Namaste to Todd Lewis and Leonard van der Kuip, for the incredible energy they have put into this institute, as well as the many inspiring experts they have brought in to teach us. Thanks to Mary Morrisard-Larkin, Brendan and Melissa for all of their help.

I would appreciate comments or feedback, and any information about how you have utilized the contents of this study.