Mandalas are circular designs accorded special significance in Eastern religions, where the word originally comes from.  This is one of the most famous, called the Kali Yantra, coming from Hinduism . . . .

Another classic design is this Shri Yantra, used in both Hinduism and Buddhism . . . .

 

Mandalas have some common characteristics; they are usually framed in a square, often featuring circles and/or triangles,  "descending" to a marked central point . . . 

Mandalas in Eastern religions have two main functions, they contain core information acting like a 'story board' and they are used as an aide to meditation, where the practitioner will fix his or her eyes on the central point and keep the attention there.  This one is from Tibet  . . . .

Circular designs can be found in most religious traditions but it is in Hinduism and Buddhism that they are most often seen.  Here are 4 'circular designs' from other religions; this one from Jainism . . .

This one is from Islam . . . . .

This one from Christianity . . . . .

And here, Aztec . . . . .

In the West, mandalas have become decorative though they are used as meditation aides as well.  There has been a move away from classic styles but the principle of being "drawn into the centre" remains, as in this 'home made' example shows.

The following pages contain Mandalas I have created over the last 20 years and show a broad progression away from the classic style.

For further information on Mandalas both new and old, I would recommend this site:

http://www.mandalaproject.org/

 

 

PLEASE GO TO THE

FIRST of 18 MANDALAS