I've become a bit obsessed with creating mandalas, but I haven't really written anything about their meaning. In Sanskrit the word mandala means circle or center. The circular shape symbolizes the cosmos. Mandalas can be used as a vehicle for concentrating the mind. They are symbols of integration, harmony and transformation. Tibetans view the center as the abode of the deity, and while I stitch away I'm always drawn back to the center, the point of origin from which awareness expands. I became a bit curious what would happen if I experimented with the center. This mandala is meant to be hung in a window. It has a clear glass cabochon in the center. The light freely radiates through it. I think it's an interesting effect.
A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"
"Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
From Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings. Complied by Paul Reps.
Wow! This is spectacular and I bet the light streaming through the center is a gorgeous effect to your beadwork. love the Zen master story ... so true, and haven't we all had those conversations where the other person can only hear themselves?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I've done a lot of mandala colouring books but I've really never branched out to this kind of fantastic beadwork. Except the occasional hairpiece but they are never near as fancy as this. Do you sketch out the design on the felt before you start or do you just freeform it?
ReplyDeleteI've tried sketching it out but that doesn't work well for me. I usually just freeform it, after I draw a series of circles so things stay more or less round. I enjoy the process of figuring out what comes next, it's a never ending surprise. If I had to stick to a pattern I'd probably pull my hair out.
DeleteAs ever, impressive stuff. The pictures alone are lovely so the work "in the flesh" must be even better. BTW are you going to A to Z this year? I signed up today, now I'd better come up with some ideas.
ReplyDeleteUnsure about A to Z, leaning towards no. If some enticing idea comes my way in the next few weeks I may change my mind. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with! You sure started off January at a brusque pace, I hope A to Z won't bring you to the level of burn out. Good Luck :D
DeleteLove the Mandela. I am going to do a card with similar colours. I love the centre because it would look cool with the light shining through. I also love that story! It is so true actually. If we think we know all on the subject how can we ever learn
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I have always admired Mandalas and until now did not know the meaning of them. Thank you for sharing the meaning and the story.
ReplyDeleteTherese
Your mandala meaning is a good post as the word seems everywhere but yet I never bothered to seek out what it really meant.
ReplyDeleteThe center you have here ~ what a wonderful idea to leave it open so that the light can shine through the center...sounds like there is a Zen story there too ;-)
Your pattern and colors work so well together. Each week, I think, "THIS is my favorite!" I hope you are enjoying Mandala Mondays as much as we all are.
I hope I can empty my cup when I need to.
oh my gosh....drooling over another marvelous mandala by you!! I echo what Christine says about every week loving these mandalas more and more and claiming this is my favorite!! These mandalas are so inspiring - I hope I can start one myself during this next snow storm!!
ReplyDeleteI would try to e-mail you but couldn't find your e-mail here so I wanted to say a big thank you for the stones-I didn't know they glitter so! This was so very nice of you and I thank you big time!!
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