by atmara | Aug 18, 2014 | Art, Mandala Monday, Mandalas, Sacred Geometry
Interior of the rose at Strasbourg Cathedral.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
For the past several centuries in Europe, most of the great cathedrals have at least one stained glass rose window that is place in a primary architectural location on the building. Though people admire the great expanse of these incredible stained glass windows (some are up to 45 feet diameter, or 8 stories tall), plus the beautiful colors of the glass, few are aware of the deeper significance of why rose windows were put there in the first place.
The builders of the cathedrals were the master Masons who at the time still had the esoteric knowledge of sacred geometry, and how to use its effects to elevate the spiritual nature of man. Unfortunately, most people today, and even back then, believed the cathedrals were built for the purpose of religious ceremony and ritual, but this only true on a basic understanding. As always throughout history, the master initiates of spirituality would pass on their teachings and knowledge in a way that the common folk could learn of by experience, rather than intellect. In other words, the cathedrals surrounded the people with a precise geometric structure that had subtle effects on their spiritual nature, and thus slowly helping them to awaken to their true understanding of themselves as conscious spiritual beings.
For example, the entire building was made of some type of natural stone, like granite, marble, or sandstone, which the Masons knew had the ability to carry the etheric energy of the earth, the same as the great pyramids in Egypt. They also understood that shape and form also affected this energy, thus the cathedral, like the pyramid, was constructed entirely by the use of sacred geometry, which means each part of the building was mathematically based on one master geometrical relationship. There were no such things as haphazard sizes. Every stone and every shape was based on this geometric master formula. This caused the etheric energy within the cathedral, specially underneath the central dome, to elevate anyone within its field. This knowledge is forgotten today.
The rose window, usually placed in an elevated position, actually represents in physical matter, what happens when the “third eye” (in the center of the forehead according to yogi meditation masters) opens up in a state of deep meditation, this eye becomes a doorway to the higher realms of spiritual dimensions. So in the cathedral, the stained glass rose window is actually a meditation mandala that can be used by anyone sitting in the space to focus on, and help them to open their own spiritual window of consciousness.
Though only a few aspects of the cathedrals were touched upon in this article, you can understand that the original shape and design of these buildings were for most people, the religious practices of various beliefs, but in reality, on the inner realm, were designed for the spiritual elevation of consciousness. And of course, they still have the exact same effects today, since in the world of sacred geometry, these principles of construction are eternal.
You can visit and learn how to have your own stained glass rose window for both simple beauty and artwork added to your space, and also for your personal meditation mandala that you can use anytime. Visit http://www.rosewindowcompany.com
Andrew Shimanoff has studied sacred geometry and used it in his custom woodworking business for the past 20 years. His company specializes in making stained glass rose window frames for hobbyists, artesans, churches, and buildings. Visit at http://www.rosewindowcompany.com
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I look forward to your thoughts and comments!
by atmara | Aug 4, 2014 | Art, Creativity, Mandala Monday, Mandalas
Last week we viewed a few mandala pendants and this week I’ve picked out some mandala rings for your pleasure. Esty seems to be the place that comes up first in searching for handmade jewelry so again I have picked a few samples from there. If you know of other jewelry sites with mandala rings please feel free to list them in the comments section.
Above is Star Mandala Ring by StumblingOnSainthood
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Here is Flower Mandala Ring by GPyoga
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And here is Tribal Etched Brass and Cooper Mandala Ring by Cuprum29
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And finally, Eastern Mandala Ring by ThePendantQueen
These are, again, just the tip of a huge iceberg of mandala rings available on the web. Please feel free to list links to your favorites in the comments section.
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I look forward to your thoughts and comments!
by atmara | Jul 28, 2014 | Art, Creativity, Mandala Monday, Mandalas, Spiritual Awakening
About mandalas
The word mandala comes from Sanskrit means circle, center, circumference, sacred circle or magic circle. In eastern spiritual traditions, a mandala is a form of sacred art that depicts the totality of the self. Swiss-German psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung found the mandala – an ancient archetypal manifestation that appears in Eastern and Western religions, mythology and rituals – to be a powerful tool for growth and transformation, a symbol of wholeness. Seeing the mandala as representing both the self and world.
The universe itself is a mandala. The earth, sun and moon are round. Everything alive – plants, animals and human beings – consists of cells. Each cell is a mandala. Even the seasons and the life cycle of human beings is a circle, so it is in everything where power moves.
Circle is the symbol of one, wholeness and centering. It represents infinity and eternity, having no beginning and no end.
Finding your true center
We perceive the conscious experience of our center as indescribable happiness. To help to feel one’s own center is to stay conscious, no matter what might happen, no matter what one does at any time, to watch oneself consciously. When we are truly got in touch with our true center, we are in total peace. Imagine you are sitting in the eye of hurricane, you feel the sense of peace, stillness and calmness. If you begin to move away from the center, everything will be chaotic and distorted. And until you return your true center, you can never gain true perceptions.
Physical movements like dancing are a great to way to find one’s true center, especially the whirling dance of the Islamic dervishes. They spin and whirl in order to find in their center the calmness. If we do not succeed to finding the center, we become dizzy. When we connect our center and dance, we are able to spin around almost without limit and self-forgettingly with music.
Creating mandalas as a self-healing tool
Mandala connects us with our true center and fully in the energy of NOW – the present moment. Creating mandalas is an active meditation for the purpose of personal growth and self healing. When we work with the mandala we may experience moments of clarity and a reality of harmony, peace and inner happiness.
The best place of creating mandalas is a private space where you will not be interrupted for at least one hour. Light a candle and play some meditation music may heighten your ability to concentrate.
To begin drawing a mandala, select any coloring materials that you like, e.g. color pencil, crayon, acrylic paint, water color etc. It can be done on a white drawing paper, canvas or a cloth.
Do a short meditation to relax your mind before you start. You may notice forms, colors, and shapes dancing before your mind’s eye. Using as little thought as possible; select a color, form, or feeling from your heart as the starting point for your mandala. As guided by your inner voice, you may feel that the color chooses you.
Draw a circle and begin to fill it with colors and forms. You may begin in the center or around the edge of the center. There is no right or wrong of creating a mandala. Work until you feel the mandala is completed.
Dating your mandala for future reference. You may end your meditation here, or to feel what you have experienced. Then give your mandala a title and write down the messages it delivers.
Creating a mandala without thought and fully experience the present moment is the key of self awakening. Listen to your heart and guided by your intuition, the mandala reflects your true self. That is a perfect way to reconnect your inner creativity. You will be amazed how effortless you could create a beautiful mandala painting.
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About the Author
Clear Heart Mandala by Maria Ng
As a passionate artist of mandala painting, Maria Ng found herself as spiritual awakened through creating mandalas. She established an online gallery – “ArtWaken Mandala Gallery” as to share her spiritual art experience and fulfill her mission of awakening people’s inner creativity. Visit her gallery at http://www.artwakenmandala.com or http://artwakenmandala.blogspot.com
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I look forward to your thoughts and comments!
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