Make Your Own Mandalas Posted May-3-2006
Design Your Own Sacred Geometries
The first conversation I've ever had with someone who is keyed into the mandala symbolism was at a creativity workshop I attended last year. I was sitting next to a fine artist, a painter, who has used the mandala extensively in her work. The artist made several remarks about the mandala throughout the evening and so my interest was piqued.

"Tell me about the mandala." I curiously asked during a break in the workshop. Not having a lot of insight into Hindu and Buddhist meditative practices, I realized I had a huge knowledge-gap when it came to this sacred symbol. The artist responded with a gleam in her eye and proceeded to give me a quick overview. Others listening nearby joined in and a full-blown mandala conversation ensued. That's the epitome of learning new things, encapsulated right there in that brief experience.

I left that workshop with a new awareness about mandalas and sacred geometries — something that has been "out there" for ages (for example, the Chartres Labyrinth), something that I could now investigate further on my own. Some would say that sacred geometries are "Literally the architecture of the universe."

If you're interested in creating your own mandalas or "sacred geometries", you might like toying with this online mandala maker at girlsgotech.org (requires the Flash plug-in), or visit the Creativity Portal for a cache of online mandala making resources featuring mandala information, Photoshop tutorials, hand-drawn lessons, and downloadable templates. •

© 2006 Chris Dunmire www.chrisdunmire.com. All rights reserved.