
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. |