Mandalas, Sanskrit for circle, are concentric diagrams having spiritual significance in both the Buddhist and Hindu religions. They can be seen in the sacred art of both these traditions, and are used in meditation as a spiritual teaching tool and a way of focussing one’s attention. For children and adults alike, it’s a wonderful relaxing exercise in concentration, and it all begins with a dot.
Materials
- fine tipped markers
- paper
Instructions
1. Gather up your supplies, and find a comfortable, peaceful place to begin your drawing. Decide if you want to work with black marker or with colour. Regardless of which one you choose, good quality markers make the whole process more enjoyable, so splurge on some decent fine tipped Staedtlers, Sharpies or similar.
2. Next, if you want to work within a circle, use a household item like a cup or bowl to draw one on your paper. Place a dot in the centre and you’re ready to begin. If you prefer to work without a circle, simply place a dot in the centre of your paper and begin drawing shapes from the central point you have created. Repeat each shape in a circular pattern around this central point. Focus your attention on this and nothing else. I know this is easier said than done if the dog’s barking or other sounds are invading your space, but it can be a wonderful relaxing moment. Also, tell children that in this context (they’re not monks having to use specific symbols in their work), there is no right or wrong and that a ‘mistake’ can simply be incorporated into the pattern that is being created. Just let go and allow shapes and patterns to spontaneously flow onto the page. At some point your mandala will look finished, and you’ll probably want to enjoy making another one, and another one…
You may want to show children this video to see how simple and enjoyable the process is: How To Grow a Mandala: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g16B64myG-E
You can also do a search for ‘Mandalas’ and look at ‘Images’ to show children the many variations that exist.
References:
ArtClubBlog 
Thank you for this post, it was very interesting. I watched the video and then posted about it on my education blog: http://showandknow.com/subjects/arts/how-to-grow-a-mandala Thanks!
That’s wonderful! I find them fascinating and so beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your education blog 🙂
Beautiful.
Nissa
Thank you Nissa 🙂
Beautiful!
Thanks Virginia. Mandalas are so wonderful to make.
I’m totally showing this to my Gabrielle!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality 🙂
A very interesting post, very beautiful! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success
Thanks Cathy. Your parties are great!
Thanks so much for sharing this mandalas tutorial last week with Wednesday’s Adorned From Above. The link party is open now for this week.
Just follow this link.
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/apple-cinnamon-roll-pull-aparts-and.html
Debi Bolocofsky
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Sorry this is late, but better late then never. Thanks so much for sharing with last weeks with Wednesday’s Adorned From Above. The link party is open now for this week.
Debi Bolocofsky
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
They are so pretty. I used to doodle on my binder in high school in circles until the entire thing was filled up. What a great activity for kids.
Oh those wonderful binder doodles, when we all should have been listening! Thanks for the memories 🙂
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing at Creative Thursday each week. I appreciate YOU! Can’t wait to see what you link up next 🙂
Michelle
Oh, those are beautiful!! I use to have my geometry students make them when we studied circles. I love it. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
these are so lovely! when i wrote more poetry, i would often get into the “poetry zone” by making a few mandalas before writing. it really helped! will you share this project with my readers? i think they would love it! http://www.happyhomeblog.com/weekend-warrior/new-feature-weekend-warrior-link-party/
Sounds so wonderful…writing poetry. Thanks for inviting me to share this project 🙂
Following from Mom’s Monday Mingle!
🙂
Please come by & say Hello if you haven’t already. (And follow back) 🙂
Kristina
http://www.yomichaelmichael.com
Thanks so much! On my way over for a visit.
Thanks for visiting my blog, which got me here. I am so going to try this. (I’m not a kid, though. But I am getting on the mandala train!)
So glad you dropped by! You’re going to love making mandalas. And don’t worry about not being a kid, these projects can be made at any age 🙂
We plan to study India next year, so this is the perfect activity to go with Buddhism. I watched the video and can’t wait to get started.
My daughter and I loved making these, and are planning on making a huge one in the driveway this summer, using chalk. My son, who is graduating from high school this month, will be taking a year off to travel in India, before continuing his studies. I’m thrilled and excited for him, but I’m not sure I’ll be sleeping much until he gets back! If only I could use a micro chip implant like with pets, just to make sure he’s safe!