Pure Imagination: Mandalas and Meditation

Meditation, in its simplest sense, is the art of focusing your mind on one thing.

So there are many creative forms of meditation which don't involve emptying the mind, sitting in a lotus position and counting the breath.

For example, working with mandalas is a form of meditation which can connect you with the unconscious part of your self and evoke relaxation, healing and enhance your spiritual awareness and intuition.

Mandalas are said to originate from Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism.

The word 'mandala' is from the Sanskrit language. It is often translated as 'circle' or 'sacred circle'.

Mandalas are usually in a circular form composed of symmetrical shapes with a deity or a symbol in the centre.

You can meditate with a mandala by contemplating the central which can symbolise your Inner Self. After gazing at the mandala for several minutes, when you close your eyes, your mind's eye will be able to reproduce the mandala. With closed eyes, you can watch the mandala. The colours may change. The patterns may pulsate. You may experience a strong feeling of well-being.

Creating a mandala can also be an act of meditation - whether it be colouring it in, drawing one, painting one, or constructing one out of wood, rice, jewels or sand.

Traditionally, before creating a mandala, Tibetan monks would chant in meditation before creating the outline of the mandala.

Mandalas can also be created or used to purify your environment and create a sacred space.

You can read more about mandalas here: http://www.creative-healing-meditation.com/mandalas.html.