What is a mandala?

The word mandala literally means “circle” in Sanskrit, but they are much more than that. Mandalas are beautiful geometric images that represent the circle of life, the universe, divine power, synchronicity and more.

Evidence of mandalas date back to the first century B.C., however, they are likely much older than that. Mandalas have been found all over the world, from India to South America. They are a common symbol in many religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity.

Today, mandalas are used around the world as a meditative art practice. They utilize a combination of radial balance and abstract patterns to mesmerize the artist and viewer alike.

Why draw mandalas?

Drawing mandalas can be a tranquil and meditative experience. They are often used in Art Therapy as a way to disconnect from stress and anxiety. They help the artist concentrate on being present in the moment.

Some benefits of drawing mandalas include:

• Stress Relief – Calms the mind through repetition
• Improved focus – Trains attention on one steady task
• Practices Mindfulness – Keeps you present in the moment while creating
• Boosts creativity – Endless design possibilities with structure
• Supports emotional balance – Grounding and regulating
• Satisfying result – A beautiful result you can share

Drawing intricate patterns is also a great way to improve hand-eye coordination.

Drawing mandalas is easy and fun, and the end result is unique and beautiful.

How to draw a mandala

There are many different ways to draw mandalas.

You can draw them completely free hand, or use a template. You can create your own template by using a compass and a ruler, or you can download my pre-made mandala drawing templates here.

Generally, when drawing a mandala you start from the center and work your way out.

Incorporate different geometric patterns into your mandala as it expands outwards.

You can use as many or as few colours as you like. I often like to use a simple complementary colour scheme.

If you prefer to learn by watching, below is a quick video I made demonstrating how to draw a mandala and some basic patterns to help you get started.

Below is another video I created demonstrating some simple mandala patterns you can practice and refer back to when drawing your mandala.

Think Outside the Page

You can use many different materials to create mandalas. Pen and paper is the most obvious. However, you can create mandalas from sand, rocks, leaves, crochet, yarn, and many other materials.

Final Thoughts

It’s a good idea to keep a sketchbook or even a Pinterest Board with different patterns to refer back to for future mandala drawings.

Learn more about the history and religious uses of mandalas here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about mandalas, and how and why you should draw them!

Cheers,