Welcome to Mandala-Painting.com
All information on Tibetan Buddhist Mandalas and how to paint and draw these intriguing geometric patterns can be found here. Mandala-Painting.com is closely connected to the more comprehensive www.tibetan-buddhist-art.com
The Mandala
A short explanation
A mandala is a diagram of geometric patterns. Each Buddha has his or her own particular mandala. A Mandala can be seen as the ‘world of existence’ or celestial residence in which the meditational deity resides.
Mandala is a Sanskrit word. Dkyil-khor is the Tibetan word for it, and literally means that which encircles a centre.
Mandala of the 5 elements, painted by Carmen Mensink
Each aspect of a constructed mandala has a deep symbolism and meaning, which you will learn when taking Tibetan Art class with Carmen Mensink, renowned painter and teacher of Tibetan Buddhist Art. The doorways on all four directions for example represent the Four Immeasurables of compassion, love, equanimity and joy.
To protect the mandala from negative conditions and energies, it is surrounded different circles, such as a vajra fence and a fire wall, and sometimes a ring of eight charnel grounds (representing the Buddhist philosophy to be always mindful of death; to be aware of impermanence). Inside these outer rings we can find the walls of the mandala palace itself.
3-Dimensional Mandalas
All mandalas that are depicted in a two-dimensional way (such as paintings) are actually representations of a three-dimensional mandala palace, or…. read more
The Mandala-Palace
In two particular places in the world the three-dimensional mandala can be experienced: the Borobodur on Central Java, Indonesia, and Angkor Wat in… read more
The Universe & Mount Meru
The mandala traditionally represents the entire universe, with the Mount Meru in the center, surrounded by the continents. Mount Meru is a... read more
An 19th century thangka of Bhutan, depicting Mount Meru and the continents
The Colors of the Mandala
The colors that are used in the mandala correspond with the 5 Buddhas and their families, as well as the… read more
What is a Mandala?
In the video below, this question is answered by Jeff Durham, Associate Curator of Himalayan Art at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, at the entrance to the exhibition Enter the Mandala.
Categories of Mandalas
- Painted Mandalas
Mandalas created with fine brushes and paints or pigment powders
- Colored Mandalas
Mandalas created with colored pencils are very popular these days - Sand Mandalas
Traditional mandalas created by monks with colored sand - Mandalas made from other materials
Sometimes mandalas are made from other materials, such as flowers, leafs and grasses:
Want to create a Mandala for yourself?
Drawing or painting a Buddhist mandala creates a lot of peace and joy. It is regarded as a meditation and can bring you in contact with your mind, your ‘inner universe’. You don’t need to have drawing or painting experience to do it. Carmen Mensink, renowned painter and teacher of Tibetan Buddhist Art, offers Mandala Drawing and Painting Classes all over the world, in groups as well as for individuals.
The Upcoming Thangka Courses & Workshops can also be found on that page.
