India: The culture of art, Mandala
Picture showing the sketch of the lord Shiva based on the mandala design which is sketched by me. There are two part in this picture, first half circle is representing mandala designs and second half circle showing the sketch of lord Shiva.
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is the supreme being in Shaivism one of the major tradition within Hinduism. Shiva is known as the destroyer within the Trimurty, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu. In the shaivite tradition shiva is the supreme lord who create, protects and transform the universe.
What is Mandala art?
A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Asian cultures. It can be understood in two different ways: externally as a visual representation of the universe or internally as a guide for several practices that
take place in many Asian traditions, including meditation. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the belief is that by entering the mandala and proceeding towards its center, you are guided through the cosmic process of transforming the universe from one of suffering into one of joy and happiness.
Mandala are circle within a square bounding arranged in different sections. The sections are organised around a focal point and produced on surface such as paper, cloths Beside the mandala art has also been
built into stone structure. Mandala were created in the service of one of the world’s great religions, Buddhism. They were produced in Tibet, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan and Indonesia and data from the 4th century to present, Now they are created throughout the world including Newyork city. Mandala is the symbol of universe in its ideal form and its creation signifies the transformation of a universe.
How are mandalas created?
There is specific process that follows the creation of mandala art. This begins with a ceremony where all monk consecrate the site of the art and use music, chants, and meditation to call forth goodness and healing.
The process of painting a mandala, however, is quite systematic:
1. Preparation of surface
2. Design establishment
3. Initial layer of paints
4. Shading and outlining
5. Dusting
Mandala art-Symbolism
Some of the most commonly used symbol within mandala includes
Sun- The sun represent the universe and carries symbolic meaning related to energy and life.
Lotus- This is the secred flower in Buddhism and depicts balance and the human efforts to reach enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Triangle- Triangle facing upward represent energy and action, the facing downward represent the persuit of knowledge and creativity.
Bells- Bells are the symbolic representation of emptying the mind, creating space for the entrance of clarity and wisdom.
