Praying with a mandala

Overview

The word mandala means 'circle'.

The mandala pattern is used across most religious traditions. It represents wholeness, holiness and all things encompassed by God. In various spiritual traditions, the mandala is used as an object for focussing attention as an aid to meditation.

In Christianity, there are many forms which are evocative of mandalas: the Celtic cross, the halo, the labyrinth and rose windows are some examples.

In Tibetan Buddhism creating beautiful coloured sand mandalas is a form of meditation. This beautiful art form is impermanent and is dismantled after it is completed.

In school communities it is appropriate to use coloured rice to create group coloured rice mandalas.

Many people also find it helpful to colour printed paper images of mandalas.

Creating a mandala

A mandala can be drawn inside a circle. It can be created from any patterns or drawing or 'doodling' inside a circle.

What a person does with a mandala is personal; it is a chance to slow down; to be quiet; to call on God's creative energy.

The patterns you create may also represent your personality, your feelings, your dreams, your beliefs, and your search for meaning in life.

How to make a group coloured rice mandala

To prepare the coloured rice

• Use a large stainless steel saucepan, and add raw white rice.
• Put on rubber gloves and use your hand to stir in food coloring. Add some colour - swish it around and add more until the rice is evenly covered. Add a little water to help cover the rice evenly.
• Dry the coloured rice using a hair dryer - swishing it around in the saucepan while it dries (using your hand in a rubber glove).

To make the mandala

• A large round table cloth (approximately 2 metres in diameter) is a great base for a group mandala (e.g. for a class, or a retreat group).
• Make your coloured rice and store in 2-litre containers. You will need a 2-litre container each of black, white, red, yellow, blue and green coloured rice.
• The mandala can be added to over a period of time.
• Use a theme from scripture to focus the mandala.
• Participants can add a shape or a colour as they feel moved to do so.