When it comes to children engaging in online hobby classes, there is no dearth of options. Mandala art is one of the top hobbies to do online at Yellow Class. It is linked to the concept of mindfulness and may have originated from meditation itself. Mandala means circle in Sanskrit and is hugely ingrained in Asian art of a spiritual nature. It has been used in several ways by diverse cultures. In its basic form, a Mandala refers to a circle that is positioned within a square. The circle is divided into portions which are neatly organized around a central point within the same. Mandala art can be made on or even with various mediums including cloth, in-built stone, paper and any surface which has colored threads or even rice powders.
The Mandala has a purpose going well beyond a simple aesthetic aspect and ventures towards a more meditative and symbolic meaning overall. They have various means of interpretation which are both internally and externally. A Mandala is often represented as a visual perspective of our Universe, a sacred zone for gathering universal powers as it may. It is interpreted through the perspective of diverse religions and philosophies. Mandala art history goes back to Siddhartha Gautama. He left his homeland for finding more enlightenment via meditation and contemplation. Gautama started preaching his philosophies throughout the country, setting up the first Buddhist community or sangha of monks. They would venture on the Silk Road and brought Mandalas with them to other regions. They also taught people how to make these artwork pieces.
This is regarded as the origin of Mandala art. Mandalas also obtained higher popularity in several Asian territories including India, China, Tibet and Japan by the 4th century. Mandalas were then used for both artistic and spiritual purposes. The three types are Teaching Mandalas, Sand Mandalas and Healing Mandalas. Teaching Mandalas are hugely symbolic with every line, color and shape denoting a particular philosophical or religious meaning and purpose. With its usage as the base for construction and design, every student will have to create Mandalas which are visual representations of what they have basically learnt.
Healing Mandalas are those which are far more instinctive by nature as compared to Teaching Mandalas. They are used majorly for meditative reasons and owing to this nature of purpose, they are meant to usher in greater calm and wisdom while also enabling better concentration and focus alike. Sand Mandalas are used by the Buddhists along with Navajo cultures for numerous centuries. Sand is representative of life’s impermanence and after a Mandala has been designed, it is often destroyed owing to the reference of this concept.
Mandalas are enablers of greater creativity and learning amongst students. With new materials and activities, children can explore various colors and textures alike. They have attained immense popularity amongst children owing to their innovative nature and the mental calmness associated with the entire process. Parents should certainly consider Mandala art classes for their little ones.