I am certainly able to answer that. Each of my independent works is created in an atmosphere of joy, love and compassion. That is the fundamental attitude I infuse into the mandala whilst painting.

Well, but that’s not the whole story.

Energy begins when painting

A mandala doesn’t just come about by chance. I spend many hours on a piece, placing dot after dot and letting it grow intuitively from the centre outwards. Even at the start, I don’t yet know what the finished picture will look like.

My inner state is also a factor here. I consciously focus my attention on what I wish to imbue the work with. Joy can be bright and lively, or completely still. For me, love means being attentive. Compassion supports without demanding anything in return.

For me, something of that remains. I am convinced that a work of art carries with it the energy in which it was created.

This idea is not new. Wassily Kandinsky explored the ‘spiritual in art’ in depth, along with the question of how colour and form can express an inner reality. For him, the inner world formed the very heart of artistic creation, as can be read in the digitised original edition from the University of Heidelberg.

In my mandalas, this becomes something unique. Colour, symmetry and the radiant centre give them their visible form. For me, the energy in which they are created is just as much a part of the work.

Colour never acts alone. I have already described how differently we perceive individual shades in the article ‘What really determines the effect of colours’. For me, however, the energy of a mandala cannot be reduced to a colour palette.

What resonates with you

Then the mandala leaves my studio. It finds its way into a living room, a medical practice or an office, where it encounters people whose stories I do not know.

There are certain reactions I hear time and time again. “What energy!” people say when looking at my pictures. Others find them meditative or say they can lose themselves in them. The gaze lingers on the centre. For a moment, everything else fades into the background.

But not everyone sees the same thing in it. A work of art may, for one person, evoke a sense of tranquillity above all else, whilst another may perceive strength or confidence in it.

To me, that's not a contradiction. The energy with which I paint is clear. How it comes across to a person is a personal matter.

I can tell what I put into it. Only you can say which parts of it resonate with you.

Compassion needs no explanation

Let’s take compassion as an example. A mandala created with this energy would, in my view, be well suited to a place where people need care and support.

A hospital ward would be one such place. The artwork does not fulfil any medical function there, nor does it promise a cure. It brings a sense of warmth and care into the room. Perhaps it will become a quiet haven for someone when so many other things are proving difficult.

This kind of effect is subtle. It does not need to be identified straight away to be there.

Commissions allow us to create something together

With custom mandalas, things work differently. Here, the person I’m painting for helps to determine the intention behind the work.

Some wishes are very clear. The mandala is meant to give courage, radiate strength or serve as a reminder of one’s own balance. Perhaps it is meant to embody support or accompany a new beginning.

Other ideas begin simply as a feeling. The colours and shapes have not yet been decided. At first, there is merely an energy that will find its place in the finished work.

This energy becomes the starting point. We discuss what the mandala should embody and the space for which it is being created. I then translate our shared intention into colour, form and my intuitive painting process.

My own fundamental approach remains the same. Joy, love and compassion underpin the work. The personal intention gives it an additional direction.

You can find out more about this collaborative process on my page about Dream piece.

So what is the intended effect?

My answer is clearer today:

I paint joy, love and compassion into it. In the case of a wish mandala, the intention chosen together is added to this.

I’m not going to tell you exactly how this energy will affect you.

Perhaps you feel a sense of calm. Perhaps strength, warmth or confidence. Perhaps the mandala simply draws you in, even before you can explain why.

Beides darf gleichzeitig wahr sein. Ein Kunstwerk kann eine klare Intention tragen und trotzdem jedem Menschen auf eigene Weise begegnen.

So, in the end, one question remains:

What effect do you notice?

Feel free to have a look at my originals. Which mandala draws you in, and how does it make you feel?

The post Was soll dieses Mandala bewirken? appeared first on jayjayma.de.

Was Farbpsychologie wirklich zeigt

Ja, Farben wirken auf uns.

Das zeigt eine der umfangreicheren Übersichtsarbeiten zu diesem Thema, veröffentlicht 2014 von den Psychologen Andrew Elliot und Markus Maier im Fachjournal Annual Review of Psychology (Studie bei PubMed). Farben können Aufmerksamkeit, Wahrnehmung, Stimmung und Verhalten beeinflussen. Gleichzeitig betonen die Autoren, dass solche Effekte selten universell sind. Sie hängen unter anderem von Kontext, persönlicher Erfahrung, Kultur und den Eigenschaften der Farbe selbst ab. Eine Farbe wirkt also so gut wie nie isoliert.

Das erklärt einiges, finde ich. Warum eine Kombination mich an einem Tag begeistert und am nächsten plötzlich kalt lässt. Warum zwei Menschen dasselbe Blau völlig unterschiedlich wahrnehmen. Und warum feste Regeln bei mir nie besonders gut funktioniert haben. Intuition schlägt Tabelle.

Rot als Beispiel für Komplexität

Rot zeigt das besonders deutlich.

Rot zieht Aufmerksamkeit auf sich, das ist gut untersucht. Was wir darin sehen oder damit verbinden, entscheidet aber stark der Zusammenhang. In Experimenten wurde Rot unter bestimmten Bedingungen sogar mit schlechterer Leistung bei Aufgaben verbunden, die eine hohe Genauigkeit erfordern (Studie zur Diskriminationsleistung). Andere Forschung deutet darauf hin, dass rote und gelbe Objekte unter bestimmten Bedingungen besser erinnert werden als Objekte anderer Farben (weitere Forschung dazu).

Eine Farbe, viele mögliche Bedeutungen. Genau das macht Rot zu einem guten Beispiel für das ganze Feld. Die klassischen Farbtabellen sind deshalb nicht unbedingt falsch. Sie sind nur unvollständiger, als sie oft klingen.

Woher die Farbtabellen kommen

Blau beruhigt, Rot aktiviert, Gelb macht fröhlich.

Solche Zuordnungen kommen nicht aus dem Nichts. Sie verbinden Forschungsergebnisse, kulturell gewachsene Farbsymbolik, persönliche Erfahrungen und Konventionen aus Bereichen wie Design und Marketing. Als Orientierung können sie durchaus hilfreich sein. Als feste Wahrheit für jedes Bild, jeden Raum und jeden Menschen greifen sie zu kurz.

Ich nutze solche Tabellen kaum. Am Anfang meiner Zeit als Malerin habe ich manchmal hineingeschaut, aus Neugier. Mittlerweile vertraue ich lieber dem, was beim Mischen der Farben tatsächlich mit mir passiert.

Farbassoziationen im Überblick

Hier trotzdem eine Übersicht. Mit dem Wissen aus den letzten Absätzen im Hinterkopf: Das sind typische Assoziationen, keine festen Wirkungen. Wie eine Farbe tatsächlich wahrgenommen wird, hängt immer auch von ihrem Umfeld und vom Menschen davor ab.

Farbe in verschiedenen Kulturen

Auch Kultur verändert die Bedeutung einer Farbe.

Weiß gilt in vielen westlichen Zusammenhängen als Farbe der Reinheit und Unschuld. Gleichzeitig begegnet es uns bei Trauer und Abschied, etwa bei bestimmten Blumenarrangements. In China dagegen ist Weiß traditionell eng mit Trauer verbunden, während Rot für Glück, Festlichkeit und Wohlstand steht (mehr zur chinesischen Farbsymbolik).

Keine Lesart ist automatisch richtig.

Sie sind kulturell geprägt und können sich sogar widersprechen. Was für den einen Menschen festlich wirkt, kann für den anderen mit Abschied verbunden sein. Was jemand als beruhigendes Blau empfindet, kann bei einem anderen Menschen ganz andere Erinnerungen auslösen. Farbe ist deshalb nie nur Farbe. Sie trägt immer auch Kontext mit sich.

Wie ich meine Farben wähle

Bei mir steht die Reihenfolge fest.

Zuerst kommt die Untergrundfarbe auf das Holz. Sie legt die Stimmung für das ganze Bild fest – quasi der Grundton, auf dem alles andere aufbaut.

Von dort aus wächst die Palette. Manchmal nur zwei Farben, meistens fünf bis acht. Ich arbeite mit Acrylfarbe, weil sie sich wunderbar mischen lässt. Denn ab da wird es intuitiv. Ich mische, teste, verwerfe wieder, so lange, bis etwas stimmt. Woran ich merke, dass eine Kombination wirklich passt? Ehrlich gesagt, weiß ich es erst hinterher, wenn der erste Kreis fertig ist und ich hinschaue. Bis dahin ist es Versuch und Irrtum, kein Konzept auf Papier, das ich einfach abarbeite.

Bei Wunschmandalas ist es anders

Auftragsarbeiten laufen etwas anders ab. Bei einem Wunschmandala gebe nicht ich die Richtung vor. Die Person, die es in Auftrag gibt, äußert ihre Wünsche, manchmal ganz konkret, manchmal nur als Gefühl, Farbwunsch oder Anlass. Daraus stelle ich anschließend die Palette zusammen. Die Intuition bleibt also im Spiel. Sie bekommt nur eine zweite Stimme dazu. Wie genau dieser Prozess bei einem Wunschmandala abläuft, steht auf meiner Seite zur Auftragsarbeit.

Mehr zum Thema auf diesem Blog

Farbe ist nur eine Zutat.

Wie Formen und Proportionen die zweite große Zutat sind und welche Rolle geometrische Muster dabei spielen, habe ich hier aufgeschrieben. Und warum ein fertiges Mandala einen ganzen Raum verändern kann, unabhängig von der Farbwahl, steht in diesem Artikel.

Was am Ende zählt

Eine Regel gibt es trotzdem. Farben wirken. Aber nicht nach einem festen Rezept. Was eine Farbe auslöst, hängt vom Menschen davor ab, vom Raum, von den anderen Farben und von der Geschichte, die mit einem Bild verbunden ist. Deshalb arbeite ich weiterhin mit meiner Untergrundfarbe und meinem Bauchgefühl, informierter als früher, aber genauso intuitiv wie immer. 🙂

Wer selbst mit Farbe und Intuition arbeiten möchte, findet in meinen Workshops einen guten Einstieg. Du möchtest deine Räume auf besondere Weise bereichern? Dann schau gerne in meinem Shop vorbei!

The post Was die Wirkung von Farben wirklich ausmacht appeared first on jayjayma.de.

The exhibition had long since ended, and the paintings were back in the studio, when someone told me what had been discussed during the early stages of preparing the exhibition: whether mandalas had any place in a church at all, and whether they were Christian.

It had all started quite unspectacularly: I was asked whether I could imagine exhibiting my pictures at the Simon-Petrus Church in Hamburg-Poppenbüttel. The church building no longer has an active congregation — though it has not been deconsecrated; weddings, for example, still take place there. The Friends of the Simon-Petrus Church, a voluntary organisation that grew out of this very congregation, has been keeping the building alive for the past year: with concerts, readings and exhibitions.

I was immediately taken with the idea of being able to exhibit there. The building is utterly unusual, with glass blocks in a variety of colours that allow light to flood into the room in a way that changes constantly throughout the day. When I first stood inside, I thought: how beautifully this complements the mandalas.

But back to the discussion: I had to pause for a moment when I heard about it. Not because the question of whether mandalas are even Christian had offended me, but because it got me thinking. Because it has a depth that deserves a good blog post.

Taking the question seriously

And somehow I really liked the question. I mean that without any irony. Because questions asked out of genuine conviction deserve to be engaged with — not dismissed out of hand.

However, the word ‘Christian’ can have two meanings in this sentence, and it is worth examining this in more detail.

Firstly: that it has Christian origins. The answer here is clear and straightforward — no. The word ‘mandala’ comes from Sanskrit, and the practice stems from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. This has never been in doubt, and it would not be a criticism, but simply a fact.

The second possible meaning: being at odds with the Christian faith. And that is certainly the real issue at stake here. In Tantric Buddhism, the mandala is, in fact, a spiritual tool with a very specific religious function: an object of meditation aimed at a particular experience of the divine. Anyone who removes it from this context, the argument goes, may be taking on more than they intended.

This is a case for being mindful, for thinking carefully about what we surround ourselves with. And I fully agree with this sentiment: things should not be adopted without a second thought.

It’s just that when I look at history — and at what the circle itself represents, long before any religion came into being — the picture looks rather different.

What the word reveals

Let’s start with the word. ‘Mandala’ comes from Sanskrit — the ancient Indian language of scholarship — and simply means ‘circle’. There is no ritual, no deity, no creed inherent in the word itself. Just the oldest geometric shape known to humankind.

Circular images with a distinct centre appear in archaeological finds from the Palaeolithic era — estimated to be between 25,000 and 30,000 years old. Long before Hinduism or Buddhism existed. Long before there were churches. Humans have produced this image time and again, across a wide variety of cultures, independently of one another.

The circle has always been part of the church

The next time you step inside a Gothic cathedral, you should look up — at the rose window above the portal. Notre-Dame in Chartres. Notre-Dame in Paris. Strasbourg Cathedral. Magnificent circular windows, with diameters of over 13 metres, arranged concentrically and centred on a single point. (Wikipedia: Rose window)

Art historians describe their effect as follows: soothing, harmonious, meditative. They can embody the perfection of the divine love that radiates in all directions. This is not an esoteric interpretation. It is stated in every art history book.

These rose windows were created from the 11th century onwards — and they follow exactly the same principle as a mandala: a centre from which order unfolds outwards. Symmetry. Concentration. An invitation to focus one’s gaze and find peace.

The circle as a spiritual form is not something imported from the East to the West. It has been carved in stone and etched in glass in Europe for centuries. It is as much a part of the Church as it is of Buddhism — because, on closer inspection, it does not belong to any one tradition alone.

What researchers say

In his book *Mandala – In Search of Enlightenment* (Arnoldsche Verlagsanstalt), the author and photographer Peter van Ham has compared the symbolism of circles across all religions and cultures — from Mexico to Kathmandu, and from Buddhism through Christianity to Islam. An interview on this subject appeared on evangelisch.de, the news portal of the Protestant Church — in other words, on a platform that is anything but indifferent to the issue.

Van Ham says there: “In its original Sanskrit meaning, ‘mandala’ simply means ‘circle’. Drawing a circle was, and still is today, regarded in a spiritual context as a means of centring oneself and focusing one’s concentration. As my research has shown, this can be found in all of humanity’s spiritual traditions.”

And he draws a comparison that moved me: a Christian monstrance containing the Host, a Buddhist Wheel of Dharma, and an archaic Chinese disc symbolising the afterlife — all circular, all with a point-like centre as the seat of all-encompassing truth. All three suggest that there is a transcendence beyond purely physical existence — and thus convey a message that fosters deep understanding between peoples.

Three cultures. Three millennia. The same gesture.

What matters to me

My mandalas do not convey any religious doctrine. No creed, no deity, no teaching. They are created in silence — to the rhythm of the drawing tool, dot by dot, stroke by stroke — out of a desire to create something that brings calm to a space. Both literally and figuratively.

I believe that paintings can have an effect. That a mandala on the wall — through its symmetry, its centre, its colour scheme — speaks to something within a person that words cannot reach. Something that cannot be explained, but can be felt.

I have described in more detail what happens within a person during this process — and what role protection and transformation play in this ancient form — in this article.

How this relates to spirituality is something I have described elsewhere: as breath — not as a technique or a sense of belonging, but as what arises when one truly pauses.

Whether it happens in a living room, an office or a church that is currently finding its way again — the form, the intention and the effect remain the same.

Conclusion: the circle belongs to everyone

The discussion that took place regarding my exhibition ultimately reached a clear conclusion: the pictures were allowed to be displayed. The exhibition went ahead.

Looking back, what moves me most about it is not the outcome. It is the fact that the question was asked — seriously, out of genuine concern for what this place means. That is not backwardness.

Perhaps the deepest common ground between art and faith lies precisely in this: that both are searching for a centre. Not necessarily the same one. Not by the same means. But with the same earnestness.

The circle was already present in cathedrals long before the word ‘mandala’ reached Europe. It appears in sand drawings, in church windows and on canvases. It does not belong to any one tradition alone.

Anyway, this question kept me thinking for a while — longer than the exhibition lasted. I’m curious to hear what you think about it.

The post Mandalas in der Kirche — darf das sein? appeared first on jayjayma.de.

Immer wieder hörte ich von Besucher:innen an meinem Stand dasselbe: „Boah, was für eine Energie!“

Dass meine Mandalas etwas mit dem Raum und mit den Menschen machen, die vor ihnen stehen, ist mir zwar nicht neu. Aber es ist trotzdem jedes Mal wieder berührend, diese prompten Reaktionen auf meine Werke live mitzuerleben. Das bestätigt mir, dass ich mir das alles nicht einbilde.

Aber eigentlich sind diese Reaktionen kein Wunder. Denn diese Kreise tragen eine Überlieferung in sich, die Jahrtausende alt ist – und damit weit älter als jede Wellness-Welle.

Ein Wort, das alles trägt

„Mandala“ kommt aus dem Sanskrit und bedeutet wörtlich: Kreis.

Manche Quellen deuten das Wort als Zusammensetzung aus manda (Essenz, Zentrum) und dem Suffix -la (Behältnis) – frei übersetzt: ein Gefäß, das die Essenz enthält. Ob das die sprachwissenschaftlich gesicherte Zerlegung ist, lässt sich nicht abschließend sagen. Was bleibt, ist das Bild: ein Kreis, der etwas Wesentliches in der Mitte hält.

Das Wort taucht erstmals im Rigveda auf, einem der ältesten hinduistischen Texte, der bis ins erste Jahrtausend vor Christus zurückgeht. Dort bezeichnet es die zehn Bücher des Werkes – also eine Sammlung von Liedern, kein Bild. Das Mandala als geometrische, konzentrische Form, wie wir es heute kennen, entstand später und blühte in der hinduistischen und buddhistischen Kunst über Jahrhunderte auf. Vedische Rituale verwenden Mandalas bis heute.

Schutz, der in der Struktur steckt

Im Hinduismus war das Mandala buchstäblich Architektur.

Das klassische Mandala zeigt im Zentrum einen Palast mit vier Toren, ausgerichtet nach den vier Himmelsrichtungen. Darum liegen mehrere Kreisschichten – jede davon eine Schwelle, die man passieren muss, bevor man zum Zentrum gelangt. Jede Schicht steht für eine Eigenschaft oder Erkenntnis.

Der Kreis schützt. Er zieht eine Grenze. Innen: das Heilige. Außen: der Rest der Welt.

Das verwandte Yantra – die geometrische Grundform, aus der das bildhafte Mandala entstand – gilt in tantrischen Traditionen als spiritueller Schutzschild. Yantra-Tätowierungen im buddhistischen Südostasien werden noch heute für Schutz, Kraft und Klarheit gesetzt.

Und nicht nur als Tätowierung: In hinduistischen und buddhistischen Traditionen wird das Yantra seit Jahrhunderten auch als Anhänger getragen – nah am Körper, als sicht- und spürbares Symbol. Dass meine Mandala-Kettenanhänger auf der ANBEGINN wieder so gefragt waren, überrascht mich insofern gar nicht.

Was wie Folklore klingt, hat eine sehr konkrete Logik: Ein Kreis trennt Innen von Außen. Er sagt: Hier ist ein anderer Raum.

Transformation von innen

Im Buddhismus trägt das Mandala eine zweite Qualität.

Es ist kein Schutzobjekt, es ist ein Werkzeug. Ein tibetisches Sandmandala entsteht über Tage in konzentrierter Stille. Wenn es fertig ist, wird es zerstört und der Sand in einen Fluss gestreut.

Bewusst. Rituell. Als Demonstration, dass Vollkommenheit und Vergänglichkeit kein Widerspruch sind.

In dieser Tradition dient das Mandala der Visualisierung innerer Prinzipien: Man schaut nicht einfach darauf. Man geht hinein – Schicht für Schicht, immer tiefer zum Zentrum. Die tantrisch-buddhistische Praxis versteht das Mandala als kosmisches Ordnungsschema, das nach innen führt.

Der Prozess ist das Mandala. Das Entstehen. Die Stille dabei.

In spirituellen Traditionen steht der Kreis für das Universum, für Ganzheit und Vollkommenheit — und für die Reise des Menschen zu seinem eigenen Zentrum hin. Die Symmetrie, die stets auf einen zentralen Punkt ausgerichtet ist, soll den Geist fokussieren. Das Mandala ist von Anfang an mehr als ein Bild. Es ist ein Werkzeug.

Was die westliche Psychologie erkannte

Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts fand das Mandala seinen Weg in die westliche Tiefenpsychologie.

Die kreisförmige, symmetrische Figur wurde als Ausdruck innerer Ordnung verstanden – als Form, die entsteht, wenn die Psyche Ganzheit sucht. Das Zeichnen eines Mandalas galt als Möglichkeit, unbewusste Prozesse sichtbar zu machen. Ein Weg nach innen. Eine Art Selbstbefragung ohne Worte.

Das klingt abstrakt. In der Praxis heißt es: Pinsel in der Hand, rhythmische Wiederholung, Kopf wird leiser. Das ist keine Esoterik. Das ist Konzentration, die eine Richtung bekommt.

Was das für meine Bilder bedeutet

Ich male meine Mandalas in einer bestimmten Intention – konzentriert, ruhig, bei mir. Das ist nichts Mystisches. Es ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Bild, das gemacht wurde, und einem Bild, das entstanden ist.

Was die Menschen auf der ANBEGINN gespürt haben, kommt von beidem: von dem, was ich beim Malen hineingebe – und von dem, was Kulturen auf der ganzen Welt seit Jahrtausenden in diese Form eingeschrieben haben: Ein Kreis schafft Raum. Er sammelt, ordnet, schützt.

Wer es etwas wissenschaftlicher mag: Was beim Betrachten eines Mandalas in dir vorgeht, hat sogar eine neurologische Erklärung. Ich habe sie hier aufgeschrieben.

Und wenn du selbst erleben willst, was es macht, ein Mandala von innen nach außen zu kreieren: Die nächsten Ruhe.Punkt.-Termine findest du hier

The post Warum ein Mandala den Raum verändert appeared first on jayjayma.de.

Why use a mandala for meditation?

Symbolically, a mandala has a strong meaning. It represents the cycle of life, the universe and unity. The symmetrical circular shapes have a calming effect on the mind and help sharpen focus. Mandalas are ideal for deepening the meditative state because they draw attention to a central point and liberate us from external distractions.

Step-by-step guide: meditation with a mandala

1. Select your mandala

• Find a mandala that appeals to you. Pay attention to the colours and patterns, they should give you a sense of calm and harmony. You can choose a mandala that has a special meaning for you, or just one that appeals to you visually.
• Ideally, choose a physical mandala art piece to place nearby or hang on your wall. This creates a deeper, physical connection. Alternatively, use a printed mandala to place on your desk or near your meditation spot.

2. Create a calm environment

• Look for a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Dim the lights, light a candle, or play some soft music if you like.
• Make yourself comfortable, either sitting or lying down. An upright position promotes alertness, while a relaxed sitting position helps the meditation to flow.

3. Focus on your breathing

• Breathe in and out deeply and calmly. Close your eyes briefly to relax your body, then open them again. Feel how your body and mind relax with each breath.
• Inhale and exhale consciously while looking at the mandala to centre yourself and establish the connection between you and the mandala.

4. Begin to meditate on the Mandala

• Position your mandala in your field of vision so that you can comfortably look at it. Your gaze should be calm and relaxed, without effort.
• Start by following the central point of the mandala with your eyes. Let your gaze wander outwards from this point, following the symmetrical shapes.
• Keep returning your gaze to the centre, just as the energy of the mandala itself flows back to the source again and again. This helps to focus the mind and keeps your thoughts from wandering.

5. Let your attention sink into the mandala

• Let your eyes slowly move from the centre to the outside, observing the patterns, colours and details. Allow each individual element of the mandala to enter your mind without judging or analysing.
• As thoughts emerge, gently allow them to pass without engaging with them. Gently return your gaze to the centre.

6. Deepen your experience

• Observe how your gaze gently glides from one pattern to the next. Try to consciously perceive the contours and details without hurrying. The rhythm of your breathing and the slow movement of your gaze create a meditative trance.
• Whenever you notice your thoughts wandering, gently bring your attention back to the mandala. Each time you return your gaze to the centre, you focus more on the moment and strengthen your meditative state.

7. Repeat a calming affirmation (optional)

• A helpful technique is to repeat a calming word or affirmation to yourself in your mind, such as ‘peace’, ‘harmony’ or ‘I am in harmony’. Repeat it at your own pace while looking at the mandala.
• Let the words resonate in your mind without forcing them. Feel the connection between the visualisation of the mandala and the soothing words.

8. Consciously finish the meditation

• Once you feel that the meditation is coming to an end, close your eyes for a moment. Reflect on what you have experienced. Pay attention to your breathing and the state of your mind.
• Slowly open your eyes, take a moment to savour the calm and clarity, and then come back to your daily routine.

Advice for regular practice

By meditating regularly with mandalas, you will notice how your mind becomes increasingly calm and focused. You can do the meditation daily or whenever you feel you need to rediscover your inner balance. By repeating the practice, you can experience the profound effect of mandalas on your mental and emotional well-being.

Meditating with mandalas is a powerful method for developing mindfulness, calming the mind and connecting more deeply with yourself. Regularly contemplating and immersing yourself in the harmonious patterns of a mandala not only promotes concentration, but also inner peace.

Feel free to browse my shop or visit one of my workshops if you want to discover a mandala to accompany you on your meditative journey. I look forward to supporting you on this journey!

The post Das Mandala als Werkzeug zur Meditation appeared first on jayjayma.de.

The origins of the mandala

The word ‘mandala’ comes from Sanskrit and means ‘circle’ or ‘centre’. It is first mentioned in the Vedic scriptures of India, which are over 3,000 years old. In the Hindu tradition, the mandala symbolises the cosmos and is often used as a visualisation aid in rituals and meditation. The circular patterns represent the order of the universe and serve as a link between the macrocosm (universe) and the microcosm (individual).

Mandalas in Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, mandalas have a central spiritual significance. They are frequently used in meditation and ritual practices. Particularly well known are the sand mandalas that monks create in elaborate work from coloured sand. The filigree patterns require the utmost precision and often symbolise cosmic palaces or spiritual journeys. After their completion, the mandalas are ritually destroyed to illustrate the impermanence of life and all things.

Mandalas in other cultures

Similar circular patterns can be found in many cultures around the world, although they are not always referred to as ‘mandalas’.

Christian art

In medieval Christian architecture, mandala-like structures appear in the form of rose windows. These windows, as seen in Gothic cathedrals, are composed of symmetrical circles and coloured glass. They often symbolise the divine or the unity of creation.

Native American cultures

The Navajo Native Americans create sand paintings that are similar to Tibetan sand mandalas. These artworks are often used during healing ceremonies and carry spiritual meanings.

Islamic geometry

Symmetrical and circular patterns play a major role in Islamic art. These patterns, which are often found in mosques or on manuscripts, emphasise harmony, infinity and divine order.

Mandalas in the Western hemisphere

With the global spread of Eastern philosophies in the 19th and 20th centuries, mandalas found their way into Western culture. The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung was particularly influential in integrating mandalas into his work. He saw them as a symbol of inner order and the self. Jung had his patients draw mandalas to better understand psychological processes and support their healing.

In modern art, mandalas have gained popularity. Artists use them to express creativity, harmony and symmetry. Mandalas are also frequently used in therapeutic contexts, e.g. in art therapy to reduce stress or promote concentration.

The role of mandalas today

Today, mandalas can be found in many areas of everyday life: as works of art, meditation aids, designs in colouring books or as tattoos. Their universal symbolism and timeless aesthetics appeal to people in different walks of life.

Mandalas are also used as mindfulness tools. Whether you are looking at a finished work of art or painting a mandala yourself, they can help you to focus your mind and find inner peace.

The history of mandalas shows how far their roots go and how diversely they are used. Whether in religious ceremonies, healing rituals or modern art – mandalas connect cultures, epochs and people.

If you are fascinated by mandalas and would like to integrate them into your daily life, there are many ways to do so: as a piece of art in your home, as a tool for meditation or as a creative hobby.

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What is sacred geometry?

The term 'sacred geometry' refers to certain mathematical patterns and proportions found in nature and the universe. These geometries are often based on mathematical constants such as the golden ratio (Φ), the Fibonacci sequence or basic shapes such as circles, triangles and spirals.

Sacred geometry is considered 'sacred' because it is often interpreted as an expression of universal laws or a higher order. Forms such as the flower of life, the spiral or the pentagram are considered examples of these principles.

Examples of sacred geometry in nature

Sacred geometry shows up in numerous natural structures and processes:

• The spiral: the logarithmic spiral is found in snail shells, galaxies and cyclones. It corresponds to the mathematical Fibonacci sequence.
• The flower of life: this pattern consists of overlapping circles and symbolizes growth, harmony and the cycle of life.
• Crystal structures: many minerals and crystals display symmetrical geometric patterns arranged at the molecular level.
• Plant growth: the arrangement of leaves or petals often follows the Fibonacci sequence, which optimizes the efficiency of growth.

Sacred geometry across cultures

Sacred geometry can be found in many ancient cultures, where it is often associated with spiritual and cosmic concepts.

Egypt

• The Pyramids of Giza were built with precise geometric proportions, often attributed to the golden ratio. These proportions were meant to symbolise a connection between earth and heaven.

Greece

• The mathematician Pythagoras saw numbers and geometry as the key to the harmony of the universe. His studies of the pentagram and harmonic division shaped the idea of sacred proportions.

India

• In Indian art and architecture, geometric patterns are used in mandalas and temples. These structures represent the cosmic order and are used for spiritual meditation.

Islamic art

• In Islamic architecture and art, complex geometric patterns without figurative representations are used to depict the infinity and harmony of God. These patterns are often examples of symmetrical and repetitive forms.

How sacred geometry is used in art and architecture

Sacred geometry is not only present in the past, but also in modern art and architecture. Examples of this are:

Cathedrals and temples

• Gothic cathedrals such as Notre Dame feature rose windows and layouts based on geometric principles. They are said to have a spiritual effect on the observer.

Modern architecture

• Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright integrated geometric principles to create harmony and aesthetics in their designs.

Mandalas and sacred art

• Mandalas are based on the principles of sacred geometry and use shapes such as circles, triangles and squares to express spiritual concepts.

Sacred geometry shows how deeply mathematical principles permeate our world. Whether in nature, ancient temples or modern works of art, it offers a fascinating view of the connection between science, art and spirituality. Those who study these forms discover not only beauty, but also a deeper harmony that permeates our world.

If you want to learn more about the connection between sacred patterns and mandalas, take a look at my shop or workshops. Together we will explore the fascinating world of geometry and art.

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An invitation to meditate

Mandalas serve as meditative tools that calm the mind and promote concentration. Their symmetrical designs draw the viewer into the centre and invite reflection. By focusing on the patterns and colours of a mandala, one can achieve a state of deep calm and serenity. It is as if the mandala opens the door to another dimension – a world of inner peace and clarity.

Symbols of oneness and wholeness

A mandala is more than just a beautiful picture. It is a symbol of unity and wholeness. The central point, which often serves as the starting point of a mandala, represents the universe, oneness and the source of all life. The concentric circles and repeated patterns that radiate from this point symbolise the different levels of being, from the physical to the spiritual. This structure reminds us that everything is interconnected and that we are part of a larger whole.

Healing power

Many believe in the healing powers of mandalas. Their harmonious shapes and balanced colours can balance emotions and release energetic blockages. In art therapy, mandalas are often used to help people relieve stress and process emotional trauma. Drawing or colouring a mandala can become a healing ritual that releases inner tension and promotes well-being.

Expression of creativity

Creating a mandala is an act of creativity and self-expression. There are no fixed rules – everyone can design their own unique mandala. This creative process allows you to express thoughts and feelings that are difficult to put into words. Each mandala tells a personal story and reflects the individual journey of the artist. It is a creative game that is both liberating and inspiring.

Timeless beauty

Mandalas possess a timeless beauty that speaks to the human soul. They are artworks that transcend cultures and eras. Whether in Buddhist temples, Hindu rituals or modern art galleries, mandalas fascinate us with their perfect symmetry and profound symbolism. They remind us of the beauty of balance and harmony in the universe.

The meaning of colours

Colour plays a central role in the magic of mandalas. Each colour carries its own energy and symbolic meaning. Red represents passion, energy and joy of life, while blue symbolises calm, peace and infinity. Yellow represents clarity, wisdom and happiness, while green stands for growth, healing and harmony. White is often associated with purity, innocence and spiritual awakening. By consciously choosing colours, you can enhance the emotional and spiritual impact of a mandala. The choice of colour can aid the healing process, evoke certain feelings or take the viewer on a deeper spiritual journey.

Numerology in mandalas

Numerology also plays an important role in the structure of mandalas. In many spiritual traditions, numbers have a deep symbolic meaning. For example, the number three represents the Trinity, harmony and the balance between body, mind and soul. The number four symbolises stability and the four elements: earth, water, fire and air. Seven is often associated with spiritual enlightenment and the connection between the earthly and the heavenly. By deliberately incorporating certain numbers into the design of a mandala, you can enhance its spiritual and symbolic depth. This numerology invites the viewer to go beyond the obvious beauty and explore the deeper meanings hidden in the mandala.

The magic of mandalas lies in their ability to connect us with ourselves and the world around us. They are windows to the soul that invite us to find inner peace and recognise the unity of life. In an age when our daily lives are often characterised by a sense of rush and restlessness, mandalas offer a space for stillness and reflection. They are a source of inspiration, healing and creative expression – a truly magical gift to humanity.

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