Mandala Art

Origin
The Tibetan Buddhists, first created the mandala drawing practice, including
their replication in Buddhist architecture, which often applied mandala as
the blueprint or plan to design Buddhist structures, including temple
complexes and stupas. This art form was later developed & introduced
within modern western culture by Carl Gustav Jung, who ascertained that
mandala drawing does the functionality of, enhancing psychological
harmony, preserving intellectual personality & focuses on the improvement
of subjective well-being (SWB). Jung claimed that the urge to make
mandalas emerges during moments of intense personal growth. He further
hypothesized their appearance indicated a "profound re-balancing process",
the result of the process would be a more complex and better integrated
personality. Jung's work opened the possibility for the secular uses of the
mandala, leaving behind the various illusions of the self which clouded and
confined one's psychological and spiritual vision. The term and
accompanying image first appear in India, as noted, in the Rig Veda in
written form, & is defined as a circle decorated with imagery which directs
the mind of the observer (or creator) inwards from the outer rim toward
deeper reflection on the meaning and purpose of life, the nature of the
universe, the substance and reality of God, the true nature of the self, the
underlying form of reality, cosmological truths, including other spiritual,
psychological, or emotional aspect of one's life. The Indus Valley
Civilization also used the kind of mandalas in which they depicted a central
image, towards which one's attention is drawn, accompanied by symbols
enclosed in a circle.
 Salient Features
As mandalas require concentration in their creation process, they have a
very useful influence on the artist’s mind & therefore creating mandalas
involves a process of unleashing the participant’s thoughts. Although the
circle is the most common form, a mandala may also be a square enclosing
a circle or a series of circles, a square alone, a circle enclosing an image
(such as a star or flower), and a rectangle enclosing a circle. Mandalas are
defined in many different ways, however, and are not limited to any of
these geometric shapes exclusively. Mandala mostly circular forms
symbolize repetitiveness, protection, spiritual growth, and many other
things, & also include various other shapes. They’re commonly used as
drawing or coloring tasks meant for relaxation and/or concentration. This
kind of art carries on the symbolism following the patterns to go through a
journey inside your mind.

“Mandala” means a circle or a disc & represents the universe. The patterns
within a “Mandala” are usually symmetric & harmonized symbolizing
how we are connected and are a part of the universe. It is used as a
meditative tool for establishing a sacred space which is represented
differently in various cultures & practices. Drawing “Mandalas” serve as a
colorful, cognitive development map for their creators, whereas healing
mandalas are more intuitive, and they are made for the purpose of
meditation that are intended to deliver wisdom, evoke attributes of
calmness, and enhance focus and concentration. The task of creating a
Mandala, could lead the individual to benefits, such as the experience of
holistic wellness & blessings, while the artistic process embraces joy of
colour & creative thinking & ability; It further (i) Calms the mind & relaxes
the intellectual functions of the brain, (ii) Improves focus & concentration,
(iii) Activates creative aspects of the mind & (iv) Streamlines a good
routine with cognitive skills.
 Sustainability Attributes
This art form impacts holistic wellness & sustainable lifestyle and enables
cognitive development within individuals. In commemoration of the
“International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development”, at
the “74th United Nations General Assembly”, & the pandemic’s effect on
creativity industry, this initiative seeks to support “Rising Civilizational
Artists” towards the quest for promoting & conserving the traditional art
form & knowledge.

The niche aspects of skilling by the “Earth Initiative’s” shall include:

Civilizational Art Narration I Rising Artist Session I Skill Session

 Civilizational Vistas

The Earth Initiative

in commemoration of “India @ 75”, & the “International Year of
Creative Economy” by the United Nations, seeks to enable
artists showcase heir incredible talents & also spur traditional
folk art forms, & also to have this skill showcased / taught
amongst a broad horizon of individuals;

To register for an
enthralling customized
individual or group
sessions, or an
exclusive children’s
sessions, do log-in to
www.imlishop.in/collec
tions/folk-art-
workshops or email us
at
info.earthinitiative@g
mail.com

Artist: Swati Sneha

Earth Initiative, twins the learning of the most vibrant, colorful & intricate folk art
form of Mithila (India) & revival of civilizational traditions!

Content
~ Introduction to the history & concepts of “Mandala Art” Form
through Images & Short Film; .,
~ Illustration of how this art form could enable cognitive & intellectual
development;
~ Rising Artist Session;

Beginners Course
~ Sketch various geometric shapes & forms of “Mandalas”;
~ Portray “Patterns as Fillers for Mandalas, i.e. Basic Fillers; Petals
Fillers);
~ Learn traditional seamless patterns;
~ Depict “Expressive Mandala Art”, with stencils;

Detailed Course
~ Explore the nuances of “Dot Mandala”, without Stencils;

~ Design creative “Split Mandalas”;

~ Create “Sea Mandalas” as a Fusion Art;
~ Evolve “Contemporary Mandala Art Forms” based on Themes;
~ Develop unique art works by innovating creativity, experimenting
with civilizational traditional art form of Mandala art on objects;
~ Learn civilizational practices & knowledge on creation of natural
colours, use of traditional tools for painting etc.,