Spiritual Development - Meditation On A Mandala

A Mandala is a sacred image which is used as a source or reflection of spiritual energy and when we focus our full attention on the image of a mandala, it draws our attention inward and enables us to understand its symbolic meaning and absorb such into our mind.

The symbols of a mandala are set within a geometric or symmetrical pattern and the resulting image serves to express different elements of our deep self, beneath our surface personality that everybody sees.

Whereas the conscious mind uses word language to categorize and define both objects and experiences, the unconscious mind deals in images and symbols which are able to generate various kinds of sensations and perceptions.

When we attune ourselves and meditate on a mandala, with the right kind of concentration, we experience a change in consciousness as we delve into a state of deep relaxation.

The shape considered to be most potent in a mandala is the circle and they are used in all mandalas. Other shapes such as the square and triangle are considered to be secondary to the circle.

The circle represents the endless cycle of life, with no beginning and no end. The space within the symbolizes the inner realm, a magical space enclosed and protected by the circle's periphery.

A variation of the circle is the spiral, in which the circular motion uncoils like a spring and instead of converging on a closed meeting point, each section moves on to a new phase.

Then there is the oval, which like the circle is enclosed and is considered to be a symbol of birth and renewal.

The square , by contrast, symbolizes containment and creates a sense of solidity and security which holds onto the energy of the symbols placed within it.

All the shapes within a mandala help to enhance the power of its individual symbols and bring about an expansion of consciousness when we meditate on them.

Mandalas are such a powerful tool for meditation because the mind creates its strongest associations through imagery. For example, if you were to think of a flower or ripples in a pond, an image will immediately arise in your mind.

Being intensely visual and framed within a dynamic design, a mandala, once absorbed into your mind works by making changes on your mental state which then filters through to influence your feelings and this can generate a heightened state of awareness in which insights come to the surface and your perceptions are enhanced.

Your reactions to any situation or experience are fully dependent upon your perception at that particular moment. For example, if you are already feeling upset, a slight let-down can be devastating and if you are feeling confident the same disappointment will appear minor and can be easily dismissed.

Mandala meditation enables you to perceive clearly and from a state of well-being and this alone sends ripples out into your approach to the daily ups and downs of life as you know it.

Meditation on a mandala involves a process of relaxation in which you focus your mind's attention on absorbing the imagery of the mandala and just letting the mandala make an impression on your awareness of it without you trying to analyze it.

Your intellectual faculties should not be engaged as all you are doing when you meditate on a mandala is absorbing the imagery and allowing it to make it's own impact on your consciousness.

The aim of any meditation is to 'still the mind'.

The nature of your 'everyday mind' is movement through thoughts constantly coming and going, hopping from one subject matter to another, in a way that is liable to draw you away from your purpose.

When you meditate on a mandala, these peripheral thoughts can pull you away at first, but with practice you can allow them to roam in the background without you following them through.

If you strain to avoid thinking, your thoughts will take control, but if you relax and merely allow them to chatter without giving them your attention they will soon settle down and become less of a distraction.

Just remember that each time you mind attempts to draw you away from your meditation, just gently bring your focus back onto the mandala you are meditating on.

Meditation is not learnt in a few days, but with regular, patient practice, progress will come and become easier each time you do it.

Step 1

Find a quiet room or space where you will not be disturbed.

Sit cross-legged on a firm cushion that raises your bottom a little way of the ground or sit in an upright chair with your feet flat on the floor - whichever you find most comfortable.

Step 2

Place your chosen mandala (it could even be a flower, stone, piece of wood, etc) at eye level about an arm's length out in front of you. (If you are a newbie mandala-meditator keep the mandala pattern basic and simple and work your way up to more detailed and intricate patterns).

Straighten your back and rest your arms in your lap with your fingers laced together.

Step 3

Take three deep breaths, exhaling fully each time and proceed to breathe normally, maintaining a steady rhythm with your in-breaths and your out-breaths.

Step 4

Now rest your gaze on the mandala but relax your eyes.

To start with take in the whole image but having done so allow the eyes to rest on one point. If your eyes go into soft focus so that you can see a double image, no matter because this is better than you straining your eyes.

Blink only as often as necessary.

Remain focused on the image and if your attention wanders, bring it back each time to the mandala.

Try not to think about the mandala just simply look at it steadily and evenly until your mind is still.

Simply allow it to be there in your consciousness until there is no distinction between you and the mandala.

Step 5

After 5 minutes or whenever you feel ready to stop, take three deep breaths, exhaling fully each time and resume your normal breathing rhythm.

Consider any insights that occur to you and if you wish, you can write them down. You may like to keep a journal of your experiences and perceptions.

Meditation on a Mandala is a simple as that ... like most things in life, it just takes time and practice!

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