Mandala & the G.O.D. principle
Creating a mandala connects you deeply to the present moment, balancing mind, body & spirit intuitively and creatively.
What is a Mandala?
#Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle. It is a geometric arrangement of symbols that acts as a tool to help focus attention, as a way of creating a sacred space, and as a symbolic representation of the universe. A mandala always has a bindu – a central point – from which it grows, and an outer boundary in which it is contained. Mandalas are a visual representation of our deeper understanding of life. They appear in almost all cultures, both ancient and indigenous. They appear in stained glass windows and aboriginal dot paintings. They appear on decorative plates and bowls. They are everywhere in nature - the petals of flowers arranged around the central point, the design on seashells, the growth rings of trees. Some designs are universal in their nature, and others made personal by the individual. Mandalas contain #harmony, balance & symmetry. Creating a mandala connects you deeply to the present moment.
#Sacred geometry
The circle is probably the oldest symbol known to mankind seen in the shapes of the celestial bodies. Having no beginning or end, it points to ideas of infinity, eternity, protection, commitment, renewal, continuous flow, unity.
The square, with its four sides, represents the four directions, the seasons and the elements. It’s a strong shape. Associated with the stability and strength of the earth.
The triangle, associated with the vibration of 3, represents creation, creativity, harmony & balance. It has different associations whether pointed upwards or downwards, and then there is the possibility of interlacing them creating the 6 pointed star. Deeply archetypal.
The cross symbolises physical and spiritual union.
The G.O.D. principle
All of life is subject to the G.O.D. principle. The G stands for generation; O is for order & organisation; D is for dissolution. In Yoga there are #three deities that preside over each of these three stages of birth, life & death. #Brahma governs the generation of life, ideas, new beginnings. #Vishnu is the sustainer. #Siva is the destroyer, as each must come to an end. Not always a negative thing, but to make way for new life, a new opportunity, a new chapter. In Buddhism there is the Arising, Abiding & Dissolving.
Each stage can be our teacher.
Tibetan Monks
The Tibetan monks create very intricate sand mandalas over days and weeks. The making is done in an atmosphere of #meditative awareness and focus. On completion of the design, it is ritualistically dismantled and returned back to the nature. Sometimes there is a procession and it is floated off down the river accompanied by chanting.
In the west, this kind of ritual can seem strange, but #ritual help us integrate and understand in a very deep way, in an archetypal sense, the impermanence of life.
Mandala Day Retreat - Saturday 6 November 2021
Making a mandala is a way of drawing the mind to one point. It is like a #meditation in itself, and a lot of what happens, happens below the surface of our conscious awareness.
The day begins with inspiration from photos, pictures and mantra, as we settle in to create our own mandala from a variety of materials that will be available.
After lunch, we will walk together and gather materials from the seashore, the bush and from the garden to use for the large group mandala that will be assembled on the dance ground. Then begins the spontaneous creation, design, organisation of the geometrical patterns. When the mandala is complete, we will dismantle it together with the chanting of mantras and a simple ritual.
If you would like a quiet reflective day just for yourself, and enjoy drawing, design and making (no experience needed) please join us for this special day.