What Is a Mandala in Art?

Mandalas have been a popular trend in art and on social media for quite a while now. But what exactly is a mandala in art and where did they come from?

Mandala in art is something that started off as a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism, but as they infiltrated other cultures, “mandala” became a general term for geometrical patterns. They are mostly circular but can be of other various shapes, and they’re commonly used as drawing or coloring exercises meant for relaxation and/or concentration.

This kind of carries on their original spiritual meaning and symbolism – following the patterns to go through a journey inside your mind.

Related: also check out The Best 15 Mandala Coloring Books!

Mandala Brief History

The word “mandala” means “circle” in Sanskrit. The first meditation mandalas are believed to have appeared in Tibet approximately around the 8th century.

They are mostly associated with Eastern cultures and religions, however, civilizations all around the world have always created something similar to mandalas. Circular shapes often had some kind of attractive symbolism in them. They symbolize rebirth, repetitiveness, protection, spiritual growth, and many other things.

The re-introduction of mandalas into the modern Western culture was committed by Carl Jung, the analytical psychologist from Switzerland. He observed the themes of circles appearing during the subconscious self-exploration through art.

 Since mandalas were closely tied to spirituality and, later, psychology, they became a popular and easy way of art therapy. Drawing and coloring mandalas can help you stabilize and re-order your thoughts and calm you down.

5 Types of Mandalas:

There actually are many types of mandalas, but we’ll be concentrating on those that can be tied to and defined through various kinds of art. Mandalas have been a big part of Eastern cultures and religions for a long time, and most of the ancient art all over the world was religion-based. Which means – mandalas have been (and still are) reflected in art a lot.

#1. Geometric Mandalas

Geometric mandalas are the most well-known type out of them all. They’re the ones that you encounter as doodling exercises or in coloring books. The pattern might consist of lines, geometrical shapes, or anything else. 

What makes them all geometric mandalas is the way they’re designed. They all have a clearly visible center, which the patterns radiate from, and every pattern is broken up by implied or actual lines to simplify the design. They can have the shape of a circle, semi-circle, triangle, square, or other figures.

#2. Architectural Mandalas

Architectural mandalas are exactly what it sounds like: mandala shapes that are built with the help of the lines of architectural compositions. These mandalas can be either sculptural or 3D drawings with perspective. 

(Below: “Drawing an Architectural Mandala” YouTube video by Peter Draws)

#3. Element/geographical/cosmological/figure mandalas 

Element/geographical/cosmological/figure mandalas all have similar purposes and follow similar principles in their design. They are the patterns that are built with or include, element symbols, figures of deities, and/or depictions of space and the universe. They very often have the shape of a square, because four angles have their spiritual meaning as well.

#4. Flower mandalas

Flower mandalas can be made of any material, but their main subjects are flowers, specifically their petals, and the spiritual symbolism of these flowers. They can be the symbols of rebirth, the eternal life of the soul, spiritual enlightenment, self-love, balance, and many other things. Or, they can simply be beautiful flowers that are fascinating enough to want to capture them in your mandala art.

#5. Letter mandalas

Letter mandalas are currently associated with pretty lettering or patterns that are shaped like letters. However, the original meaning of letter mandalas were the simplified ones, where people drew letters instead of full-body depictions of spiritual beings or deities. They can also be called symbol mandalas if the symbols are used instead of letters.

5 Types of Mandalas Defined by Their Art Forms:

#1. Painting and textile mandalas (also known as scroll mandalas) are the most common type. They are basically mandalas that are painted on paper or fabric with the use of pigments and paints, as well as small brushes for all the fine details. Most of them are meant to be carried around in scrolls, and they need to be rolled and unrolled easily. Some of the tapestries are also used for permanent display in religious shrines.

#2. Ceiling paintings/murals of mandalas can be used in religious temples, regular buildings, or as street art pieces. The old ones were painted in the fresco-secco technique, however, the modern murals can be made with spray paint, paint markers, or any other modern medium.

Here is a beautiful timelapse of a Mandala Mural painting by Lara Z Yoga on YouTube:

#3. Thread-cross mandalas are created on the frames made of thin pieces of wood. The frame is wrapped into thick colored threads that form geometrical shapes. They are very easy to make and can be a really relaxing experience for children and grownups.

Since these mandalas are flat (unlike Eastern-European hanging decorations made of straw), they’re displayed vertically. They can be a very lovely and colorful addition to your interior if you decide to make or purchase some.

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#4. Sand mandalas are made by Buddhist monks as a meditative and religious activity, which doesn’t mean that you can’t attempt something like this too. These mandalas are created with fine sand of different colors, from the outside lines towards the center of the composition. All of the mandala sections are usually pre-outlined, so it’s a sort of coloring activity.

#5. Sculptural/ceramic mandalas are either sculpted or painted on ceramics. In the field of sculpture, the term “mandala” may not apply just to flat symbolic images and repetitive patterns, but also to figures of deities.

5 Cool Facts About Mandalas:

#1. Mandalas are always centered around the creation process, not the final result. Happiness is a journey, not a destination, as some say.

#2. Basically, every circle can be considered a mandala. Which means – drawing mandalas has a really low entry barrier, and you don’t need any skills to start doing it. This can apply to any other type of art as well, but mandalas are extremely beginner-friendly.

#3. The term “mandala” (which, as we mentioned before, means “circle” in Sanskrit) can also mean the traditional political formation in early Southeast Asia history. It’s a model that can be described as a diffuse political power when local power was more meaningful and strong than central leadership.

#4. Drawing mandalas can help retain or develop fine motor skills for elderly people or kids. Along with other patterns for adult coloring books, they can contain a lot of small intricate details that need concentration and stable hands.

#5. The original artists who created mandalas were strictly religious and needed to undergo certain initiation rituals before they were allowed to do such work. This tradition still exists in our day, and religious mandalas are now painted by pious laymen or monks for special events and commemorations.

What is a Mandala Dot Art?

A mandala dot art is a pattern that is created with many small colorful dots. It’s a very simple technique, however, you will never run out of ideas and color schemes for it.

The pattern itself is usually quite simple and is constructed of several geometrical figures (or even a single circle). But these figures are usually implied lines since they are made of and filled in with variously sized dots. You can start from the center or outline the outer edges first, improvise, invent any patterns, and never end up with two similar works.

It’s a very satisfying process that is the most recommended to perform with bright liquid mediums, such as opaque paints or inks. And the result will be just stunning in any case, even if you don’t know color theory and have never done this before.

What is a Mandala in Art Therapy?

Mandalas in art therapy are a form of psychotherapy during which a specialist guides their client through artistic processes that involve creating mandalas. It helps with restoring mental balance, understanding the client’s emotions, and locating their sources.

Since mandalas require concentration in their creation process, they have a very useful influence on the artist’s mind. People often notice that the best ideas come to them in the shower or when they are doing house chores. Creating mandalas involves a similar process of unleashing your thoughts.

Mandalas in art therapy are always a reflection and a visual representation of their creator’s emotional state. It’s a powerful feature that also assists in the therapy process.

There can also be special mandalas used for different purposes. In Asian religions and esoteric teachings that stem from Buddhism and Hinduism, people can use certain mandalas as an aid in healing, meditation, self-blessing, or repetitive mantras (also known as affirmations).

What Is Mandala Art Used For Now?

Mandala art is now most often used in art therapy, doodle art, and decorative arts.

Despite the fact that not too many people are part of Asian religions, some spiritual symbols of these religions have become associated with self-love, inner balance, and positive thinking. So, there is a demand for mandala depictions, which don’t have to follow religious rules of what should they represent and how.

As every kind of art, mandalas can be used for self-discovery and self-expression. But they can also have no deep meaning at all and just look pretty. The choice of what you want to put into your mandala art is up to you.