The word Mandala is sanskrit and literally means 'Circle' & 'Centre', it suggests the notion that any centre is tied to its circumference, and that any circumference is always determined by its centre, together they represent a wholeness.

 

Traditionally, the sand for mandalas is made by crushing precious and semi-precious stones such as coral and turquoise amber etc, but this is no longer done. The sand is dyed using vegetable dyes or opaque tempera or acrylics, it is applied to the mandala disc (base) with a narrow metal funnel called a ‘chakpu’, which is tapped against to cause sufficient vibration for grains of sand to trickle out of its end. Stray grains of sand are moved back into place with small brushes, no adhesives are used to maintain the position of the sand.

 

There has been medical research to show that the body's immune system and innate healing ability are enhanced when we are relaxed, creativity appears to trigger the body's relaxation response, promoting one’s own health and healing and increasing stress reduction.

“TO SEE THE WORLD IN A GRAIN OF SAND
AND A HEAVEN IN A WILD FLOWER,
HOLD INFINITY IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
AND THE ETERNITY IN AN HOUR”.