In order to know the meaning of the term mandala, it is necessary, first of all, to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can emphasize that it is a word that derives from the Sanskrit “mandala”, which can be translated as “circle”.
A mandala is a drawing that, in Buddhism and Hinduism, is used as an aid to meditation . Mandalas (which can also be mentioned as mandalas according to the Royal Spanish Academy ) constitute a representation of the forces that govern the universe.
These drawings, therefore and taking into account their etymological origin, usually have a circular shape.
The mandala symbolizes the microcosm and the macrocosm . At a structural level, the center of the universe appears as a circle inside a square. In any case, mandalas are figurative and have different designs.
Currently, in Western countries, mandalas are used for relaxation . Coloring mandalas is a common practice among those who want to combat stress since the activity provides serenity, minimizes anxiety and helps develop creativity.
In addition to all the advantages mentioned, we cannot ignore that coloring mandalas is considered to bring with it another series of benefits. We are referring to some such as these:
-Improves mood, as it is responsible for balancing the spirit, body and mind.
-It helps to ensure that the person in question can express their feelings and sensations better and more easily. And that will be done through the use of colors.
-It is also considered to be a way to have fun and occupy the free time you have.
-It is an activity that helps improve motor skills of both the hands in general and the fingers in particular.
-No less significant is that coloring mandalas helps improve one's patience and even one's capacity for effort.
-You can even improve the technique and precision that are later developed in other activities such as painting a painting or molding a sculpture.
It is also considered to help encourage reflection, stimulate aesthetic taste, encourage critical thinking and even develop the two hemispheres of the brain.
Typically, mandalas are included in notebooks similar to children's coloring books. A different mandala appears on each sheet, with the lines printed but blank. Each person, therefore, must choose which colors to use to complete it.
The work requires concentration so that the strokes do not go beyond the edges. Thus, painting mandalas constitutes a practice that leads to forgetting, at least for a while, about problems and worries.
It should be noted that many websites offer mandalas to download for free. Anyone interested in coloring mandalas, in short, can search for designs, print them and finally paint them by hand with pencils, markers, crayons, etc.