Review by
Richard Sumrall
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
ending … which is, and which was, and which is to come."
-- Revelation 1:8.
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C.G. Jung once observed: "I saw that
everything, all paths that I had been following, all steps that I had taken,
were leading back to a single point -- namely, to the midpoint. It became
increasingly plain to me that the mandala is the center. It is the exponent
of all paths."
___
In her new book, Healing Mandalas," Lisa Tenzin-Dolma explains the
concept behind mandalas; their nurturing effect on the body, mind and soul;
and their ability to encourage the body's natural healing powers. What is a
mandala? According to the author, "a mandala is a symbolic picture or
pattern used in meditation." She explains that "its various motifs, colors
and geometry are specifically designed to bring about inner focus and inner
peace."
One of the appealing features of mandalas is that they can be used by
beginners or experienced practitioners. The advanced practitioners consider
mandalas to be more than a tool for meditation; mandalas bring the mind and
body back into a state of balance and strengthen the connection with your
essential nature. Jung called this an "archetype of wholeness," a
cause-and-effect confluence between the macrocosm (the manifold aspects of
the cosmos) and the microcosm that is found in all of us.
The four key elements of a mandala are the bindu, the seed and starting
point; the circle, expressing wholeness and completeness; the square, for
the four directions of the physical world; and the perimeter, the outer
edge, containing the mandala's energy. These four elements can be expressed
through a multitude of colors, shapes, symbols, numbers and natural forms.
Blue encourages tranquillity, while red is energizing and warming. Domes
represent the cosmos or the heavens, whereas the cross represents the
meeting of spirit and matter. Geometric shapes such as circles or spirals
bring a sense of purity as a mental resting-place. The number six encourages
balance and symmetry, while seven is sacred and mystical in its cosmic
symbolism.
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"Finding the Whole Self "
The theme behind these 10 mandalas in the book is simple --
finding a route to your still center, or using them "to draw
emotional and spiritual sustenance from your inner wellspring."
In the "Self in the Cosmos" mandala, everything begins with the
self. The mandala is composed of a pentacle within a circle. A human
figure floats within the pentacle and is surrounded by many
varieties of flowers as the body is bathed in snowdrops and stars.
The vibrancy and color symbolize the wonder of life and
self-realization; you are bestride the universe as your attention is
drawn to the beautiful truth of creation.
"The Self and Others"
These 10 mandalas encourage you to "address and explore the
relationships in your life -- to open your mind and find ways to
nurture yourself through peacemaking, forgiveness and accepting
difference."
A perfect example of this inspiration is found in "Wings of
Peace." Biblical imagery abounds in this mandala, most notably its
center -- an unfolding flower that reveals doves carrying olive
branches. This implies a belief in hope and reconciliation -- God
making peace with the world. The circular pattern entices you to fly
out into the world and seek lasting relationships based on the
nurturing beauty of love. The dominant green color gives this
mandala its calm and harmonizing quality.
"Healing Mandalas" is an excellent introduction to the philosophy
and practice of mandalas. Why should you consider mandalas as a part
of your meditative exercises? According to Tenzin-Dolma, "the unique
pressures of modern living make the need for healing more prevalent
now than ever. … Fortunately, body and mind have an immense capacity
for self-regeneration." Part of that regenerative quality may be
harnessed and released through a positive experience with a mandala.
This book is recommended to anyone interested in exploring
mandalas as a path to inner peace, personal growth and holistic
healing.
[Text from file received
from Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District]
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