INTRODUCTION TO MANDALAS:
THE UNDERLYING UNDERSTANDING:
Mandala is often translated as a sacred circle. If we use this translation for Mandala, we need to know what we mean by this.
The Mandala really represents a person's sphere of existence. The circle represents the range of a person's activities and influence. This means that we could really draw a mandala that might include a person's home, their neighbourhood, and their city and country.
If all objects in existence are composed of the 5 elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space, then the Mandala is also made up of these elements. This is the point that all Mandalas start from.
Our purpose in creating a Mandala, and then using it in our practices, is to try to transform or alter our current sphere of influence or sphere of existence. This means recognizing that we have a say in the creation of our world, and that we can use the space in which our world exists and the inherent potential that's always present to alter our reality to meet our needs.
This is the purpose and function of the mandala. If we use the Mandalas that we make to strengthen and advance our spiritual attainments then they really become sacred, and, at that point, they can be called "Sacred Circles".
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