Tibetan Mandalas - Spiritual Pathways Toward Enlightenment

Tibetan Mandalas are meticulously constructed; geometrically inspired designs in which many Buddhists believe various gods live. These are considered to be spiritual aids that can be used to obtain peace, serenity, and wisdom. The Mandalas have a deep spiritual meaning for anyone who practices either Buddhism or Hinduism.

In the Tibetan branch of Buddhism, the Mandalas have evolved into sand paintings and these are very important to many meditation rituals and practices.
According to spiritual traditions, a Mandala can be used to help the individual focus his meditation efforts and establish his own sacred personal space.

When a Mandala is used it is thought that it opens a higher spiritual plane where it is possible to achieve a unity with the universe. Though these symbols have a highly intricate design and amazing detail people who are deep in thought and meditation can become aware of even the most minute color and detail.

In the Buddhist religion, the purpose of Mandalas is to help hasten an end to human suffering, and bring individuals a new-enlightened sense of spiritual wisdom. It is thought that using these objects will help guide people as they walk along their own spiritual pathway toward enlightenment.

These objects are believed by many to be the tools the soul requires in order to learn true wisdom and compassion for other beings throughout the world, and universe.
While there are a wide variety of Tibetan Mandalas available, the most popular is made with an outer and inner circle. There is an ornately decorated mandala "palace" in the center. The main deity is housed in this "palace". It is this one deity that is seen as the embodiment of the best and most humane philosophical beliefs.

According to Buddhist scripture, sand Mandalas transmit positive energy to the environment and to all who see the designs. While making a sand mandala, Buddhist monks chant and meditate before asking the deities for healing blessings.

The designs are constructed not from any blueprints or drawings, but just from memory. Grains of sand that have been colored are then used to carefully fill in every detail of the design. The Mandala is blessed and then its healing power is then extended freely to the rest of the world.

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