The circle is a naturally occurring shape that humans have long been fascinated with. We see it in the shape of the planets, our galaxy, in soap bubbles, and oranges, circles are simply everywhere. ‘Mandala’ is Sanskrit for sacred circle, which hints at how the circle has been used as a visual anchor for many spiritual practices and symbols from the labyrinth to the solar cross.
The practice of making mandalas has been used across faiths and cultures as a meditative activity. Drawing or coloring a mandala can help you
- Reduce stress
- Work through or express your emotions
- Calm the mind
- Increase self-awareness
- Exercise the brain
You can draw a mandala in a blank circle or you can cut your circle into quadrants or smaller subsections. Look online for templates or free coloring pages if you want. View a video to see all what mandalas can be.
Traditionally, mandalas are filled with geometric or organic shapes in a repeating pattern starting from the center and moving outward. However, you can fill the circle in any way that you like.
For more information about mandalas.
Coloring Mandala
Nature Art Mandalas
Seed Art Mandalas
Make Your Own Mandala
During these difficult times and Zoom fatigue, this project is designed to help you explore the making side of creativity. What does making mean in the time of Covid and how can we create as a community? Maker Break is a part of the 2021 CPAD Discovery grant at Penn State. April’s Maker Break will focus on Mandalas.
Visit the Mandala Maker to make your own mandala digitally.
Visit Silk, an interactive generative art platform that allows you to make detailed, entrancing art with just a wave of your computer mouse.