A mandala is a geometric and symmetrical pattern that represents the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism. The word "mandala" originates from the Sanskrit language and means "circle." However, mandalas are not limited to circular designs and can also take the form of squares or other shapes.
a mandala is a Radially symmetric pattern.
radial symmetry patterns are typically created starting from the centre point and flowing outward with a repeating pattern and have played a significant role in various cultures throughout history.
In ancient Greece, patterns were found in temples and artwork, embodying ideals of balance and perfection. Islamic art showcased radial symmetry in its art and architecture, symbolizing unity and interconnectedness of all things. Buddhist mandalas, acted as spiritual gateways to inner peace and enlightenment. Indian rangoli art brought vibrant colors and radial symmetry together to celebrate auspicious occasions and promote harmony. Indigenous cultures embraced radial symmetry in their pottery, beadwork, and basketry, infusing their creations with a deep connection to nature and spiritual beliefs. Chinese art, rich in symbolism, employed radial symmetry to represent balance and the cyclical nature of existence.
Across cultures, radial symmetry has transcended both time and geography. It has universally expressed the beauty that underlies our diverse human experience.
it has been said that mandalas are a of the universe with an inner and outer world.
according to mandala mind
a mandala is a sphere with a midpoint, and displays a field of elements, which are interconnected and express different facets of human life and the mind.
orderly chaos principal
this is the theory of Chogyam Trungpa
the book description is as follows: “According to the mandala principle, a prominent feature of tantric Buddhism, all phenomena are part of one reality. Whether good or bad, happy or sad, clear or obscure, everything is interrelated and reflects a single totality. As Chogyam Trungpa explains in this work, from the perspective of the mandala principle, existence is orderly chaos. There is chaos and confusion because everything happens by itself, without any external ordering principle. At the same time, whatever happens expresses order and intelligence, wakeful energy and precision. Through meditative practices associated with the mandala principle, the opposites of experience-confusion and enlightenment, chaos and order, pain and pleasure-are revealed as inseparable parts of a total vision of reality.”
personally, I love and agree with the idea that everything is one.
I believe that nothing can exist without everything all at once - we cannot feel true happiness if we have never felt sadness. you will not feel true joy if you haven’t ever felt any despair….
what is radial symmetry to me?
a radial symmetry pattern to me is the end result of a mindfulness journey.
It is what I get at the end of a creative meditation, a zone out, a doodle session (whatever you want to call it!) i use drawing a mandala as a form of meditation as the repetitive patterns I make help me zone out and immerse myself in each second.
want to learn to draw your own mandala-inspired art?
check out this book, complete with instructions and templates you can use for colouring and/or pyrography!
DIY radial symmetry and pyrography book