cosmic sensorium: mystic visionary art

A mandala (or dkyil kor, by its second most popular name) is a purposeful visual composition incorporating different symbolic and geometric patterns that can lead to shifts in consciousness and energy flow. I like to describe them as the transcription of an inter-dimensional experience into a (more easily) tangible form. The mandalas on this page have taken form in two dimensions -- as visual representations drawing on sacred geometry. They can serve, nonetheless, as doors to and from where they come.

What is a Mandala Used for?

In addition to their pleasing and intriguing aesthetic value, mandalas are useful for exploring oneself and one's place in life and in the evolution of consciousness. Mandalas provide powerful ways to unlock paths to inner wisdom, self-discovery, and the cosmos.

Different peoples and traditions, since the beginning of history, have drawn, built, and used mandalas for a wide array of purposes. Among these, mandalas have been used as tools for meditation, expansion, relaxation, concentration, taking refuge, and creating sacred space, as has been the case in Tibet, India and the global East (e.g. Sri Yantra mandalas and temples). Native American shamans have also used mandalas for these purposes, as well as for illustrating, preserving and connecting to sacred knowledge (e.g. the Hunab Ku), and keeping, measuring, and warping different types of space/time (e.g. the Aztec and Mayan Calendars, numerous inscriptions at Chichén Itzá, or even the pyramid itself). Some of their mandalas are also used as "portals of consciousness" - as tools to ritually access, explore and understand non-ordinary states of conscoiusness.

 Mandalas are also employed to foster peace and well-being, and to protect people, houses, temples and cities (as can be seen, for example, in  ancient Greek and Roman architecture). Mandalas can also serve as illustrations, visual representations, or even "maps" of the heavens and the passage into divine realms and the inner planes of existence (e.g. Meru and Bardo mandalas). Some mandalas also tap into sacred geometry and represent different energetic structures, including chakra systems. They are useful for unblocking, restoring, and facilitating the conscious use of energy currents. Some mandalas can also serve as oracles, as tools for divination and for awakening intuition.

How can I work with a Mandala?

In and of itself, a mandala brings with it (in its construction, symbology, colors and vibration) all the things that it can be used for. Traditional mandala work includes contemplation and mental construction and deconstruction of the figure with one's eyes closed. Other approaches range from visualizing oneself (one's loved ones, the house, the planet, etc) inside the mandala, to simply looking at it and exercising awareness of how one's point of view changes. Nonetheless, a mandala experience can only happen through interaction. Some mandalas will literally draw you in if you come with openness and give them a bit of time. Others require a clear intent and the willingness to go through with what they will show you. Yet others require no explicit intent at all, just endurance and clearness of mind, thought and feeling. Each mandala is a world in itself;  the best way to learn about them is by actually working with them!