“I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing, a mandala, which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time… Only gradually did I discover what the mandala really is…. the Self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well, is harmonious.”       ~ C.G. Jung.

Mandalas are circular, geometrical patterns that are symmetrical in nature. The word “mandala” originated from the Sanskrit language; it means “circle,” literally. It is a symbolic representation of the universe with an outer and inner representation of the world. In religious contexts, especially in Buddhism, mandalas are seen as a circle that is magical and has no origin and no end just like the universe. Mandalas, from time immemorial, have been used as an object to focus one’s attention. For instance, it is used to focus one’s attention while meditating. The use of a mandala facilitates the process of focusing on one thing – because of its symmetrical shape one’s attention is directed to the centre of the mandala. The use of mandalas is found frequently in Eastern philosophies, like Buddhist and Hindu philosophy.

Mandalas hold a special place in Buddhism. One of the richest visual objects in Tibetan Buddhism rituals is the mandala. The mandala here is representative of an imaginary palace that one contemplates during meditation. The Tibetan mandala has deities, with the principal deity in the middle of the pattern. The deities embody philosophical views and serve as role models. Each object or deity holds significance, where it represents an aspect of wisdom or it reminds the meditator of a guiding principle. The purpose of these mandalas is to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened minds and souls full of wisdom and provide assistance in healing. The Buddhist scriptures mention that the mandalas constructed from sand are transmitters of positive energy to the people and their environment. They are tools that facilitate the process of healing.

Mandalas have been recognized by psychology as a therapeutic tool. The Swiss psychologist Carl Jung said they’re like representations of our mind. He thought they made it easier for us to concentrate on, transform, and internalize unconscious things in us. He also said that we project what we think and feel into mandalas.

There are also multiple different branches of psychology that have talked about their benefits. Transpersonal psychology sees mandalas as a kind of exercise for deep connection. Cognitive and behavioral psychology see it as a tool to improve things like memory, attention, perception, and visuomotor coordination.

Mandalas are an artistic kind of free expression. In other words, one can draw them however one likes. Of course, if one doesn’t want to make the shapes themselves, one can buy books and journals and focus on coloring them in.

One interesting thing about mandalas is their strong link to creativity. They let one have absolute freedom with the colors and shapes. In other words, they make it easier to be creative and are a great source of new ideas. On top of that, every shape and color symbolizes one’s unconscious aspects.

“Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.”

-Chuang Tzu-