Creating a Temporal Mandala

Hands-On Activity: A Temporal Mandala

MANDALA SYMBOLISM

BACKGROUND

Mandala means 'circle' in the Sanskrit language, and mandala art refers to symbols that are drawn, sketched or painted in a circular frame. Mandala art has been used throughout the world as a process of self­ expression, in the service of personal growth and spiritual transformation

The very fact that mandalas are drawn round can lead us to an experience of wholeness when we take the time to make them and then wonder what they mean. In the strict use of the mandala, there is a central point or focus within the symbol from which radiates a symmetrical design. This suggests there is a center within each one of us to which everything is related, by which everything is ordered, and which is itself a source of energy and power. Virtually every spiritual and religious system known to man asserts the reality of such an inner center.

Tibetan Buddhism has employed mandala art for thousands of years to capture the images of the countless demons and gods which it believes both plague and uplift humanity. Navajosand painters use them in their healing rites. Many native people use the Medicine Wheel, a mandala form, to connect to earth energies and the wisdom of nature. The Romans worshiped it as the genius within. The Greeks called it the inner daemon. Christian religions speak about the soul and the Christ within. In psychology we speak of the Higher Self.

Psychosynthesis is a psychological and educational approach to human development first articulated by the Italian psychoanalyst Roberto Assagioli (1888­1974). Offering both a conceptual model for understanding how we can heal, develop, and transform consciousness and practical tools to achieve these goals, Psychosynthesis refers to a process directed toward the integration and harmonious expression of the totality of human nature­­physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. One of the fundamental concepts in Psychosynthesis states that the human unconscious can be understood to involve three levels, and mandala art can help both explore and document discoveries made on these three levels.

ASSIGNMENT: CREATING A TEMPORAL MANDALA

­Part 1 - Create: Create a large circle and focus on the past, present, and future. The center of the circle represents the past and progresses to the future as you move towards the edge of the circle. Make sure there are multiple layers and levels of circles in your mandala. More is better. Make sure that you have a good sense of radial symmetry and you alternate shapes to both radiate outward and to maintain concentric circles. Consider colors, values, textures, linear vs. flat shapes, small vs. large shapes, etc. Make sure you show ambition in this project.

Materials: You will be constructing a Mandala with found items in your natural surroundings. The Mandala will be temporary and with the passage of time, it will be erased. You will create an order that will be undone with the passage of time.

Below are some examples of temporal mandalas that have been created and will eventually pass away much like the monks sweeping away the sand of their mandalas.

Feelings are reflected by our use of color.

­Complete your mandala filling in all the space of the circle using radial symmetry.

­Photograph the finished product. Include the photo of your mandala in the submitted document.

Part 2 - Write a paragraph explaining what was going through your mind as you were creating your artwork. What choices did you make?

I will show the reference photo ,rubric and my professor's complete powerpoint in form of photo.