THE WORLD OF MANDALAS.YANTRA AND CREATIVE VISUALISATION

In the tradition of classical yoga originating from India, lies a pathway of self-enlightenment, growth and inner peace. Within this pathway are tools to enhance our concentration, contemplation and creativity. Welcome to the world of Creative Visualisation, Yantra Yoga and Mandalas. A brief look at the path of Yantra As Mantra uses sound through chanting, Yantra uses sight and form through the construction of geometrical shapes. Triangles, squares and circles are used to form a picture, design or object, or can be used as a focal point for inner visualisation. Used in this way, it can be an aid to discovering and understanding the self through the creative construction of the entire structure. Although originally Yantra were constructed in wood, cloth, sand etc. today we have the use of unlimited materials, texture and of course our limitless imagination. The Yantra pictured here is the Sri-Yantra (blessed device). Composed of nine linked triangles, creating 43 small triangles. The principle of this Yantra is to represent the balance of the masculine and feminine principles. Sri-Yantra A brief look at the Mandala The creation of purely geometrical designs are called Yantra, the more complicated colourful and elaborated designs, which included concentric circles frequently within a large square are called Mandalas. Mandala means 'circle' in Hindu language and is viewed as a sacred symbol representing wholeness. If we think of the rose windows seen in Christian churches, the sand Mandalas drawn by the Navaho Indians, even the shape of an opened flower and our planet, the circle takes it place as an important symbol in our universe. Carl Jung (the famous psychologist) studying man and his symbols, expressed 'I realized more and more clearly the mandala is the centre: it is the expression of all life: it is the path of individuation'. Through constructing and colouring a mandala, people tend to integrate whatever is lacking from the whole and from perfection (Dalke 2001). Therefore when interacting with the mandala through its creation people tend to integrate whatever they need to learn or experience. Mandalas can be created with this benefit in mind, and have been integrated into treatment and therapy. The mandala can also be created for the love of drawing, colouring, painting, and the freedom of the creative process (although equally beneficial). The mandala can be also be used to focus the mind in meditation, concentration allowing us to go within. Focusing on the mandala and holding the image in the minds eye cannot only increase the benefits, it can act as a tool to bring the mind to a calm, still point leading to concentration and meditation. To view mandalas go to www.dhyansanjivani.org A brief look at Creative Visualisation Before we can meditate, we must first learn and practise the art of withdrawing our senses from the outside world and developing our concentration to keep our focus within. When we meditate we can keep our focus on a symbol, phrase or Mantra, or focus on a candle or object. Another way to meditate is to be taken or led by a (qualified) teacher on a guided journey. This journey allows us to experience what will help us to learn, grow and develop. It may be that a journey of tranquillity is necessary to calm and still a busy, cluttered mind, visualising the calm and gentle flow of a stream or the feeling or relaxation in the countryside. To promote healing, visualising the healing rays of the sun entering the body through the breath, regenerating and revitalising each cell in the body and calming the mind, is a beneficial practice. When we sleep the body relaxes. The mind does not. Think of the vivid and often colourful dreams, images and journeys, which can be remembered on awakening. Concentration, withdrawing the senses and meditation can all provide the mind with the relaxation, rejuvenation and rest that it needs. Through the process of creative visualisation we can be taken to parts of ourselves that need to be healed or acknowledged, experience another place of still and calm and to reinforce this feeling in our everyday life. The creative process is the limitless choice and possibility to experience, learn and grow. The benefits are immense. N.B. Although the construction of Mandalas can be done for pure enjoyment, the teaching, study and practise of Yantra Yoga, meditation and creative visualisation should always be under the strict guidance and instruction of a qualified yoga or meditation teacher. For yoga teachers in the UK and links to yoga teachers worldwide go to www.mantravidya.com