Making Your Own Tibetan Mandala Designs
Although Mandala designs began as part of a spiritual ritual in Buddhism and Hinduism, they have gained popularity in the western world for use in meditation. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung described it best when he referred to Mandala designs as a "representation of the unconscious self".
Always in the shape of a circle, Mandala designs symbolize the universe as an orderly, harmonious whole, free from chaos. The main idea of Mandala designs is to help replace the negative energy from your life by focusing your energy on the positive. Creating your own personal Mandala designs can help soothe trauma, and colouring them in with your favourite colours can bring a peaceful state of mind, replacing negative thoughts.
Some find it helpful to write words within the Tibetan Mandala circle, such as Healthy, Kind, Compassionate, etc. It is so easy to slip into a negative mind frame, especially if you are surrounded by negativity on a daily basis. Creating your own Mandala designs and using them as part of a meditation session can bring your mind and soul back into a state of positive love.
For example, you may have suffered the loss of a job and had to settle for a less paying and less prestigious position. That has to sting. You may feel worthless and inadequate, and find your new boss to be a pain. But it is a job and you will get through this. Telling your-self that over and over again may not be enough to overcome the negative feelings. Of course that's just one scenario that life can throw our way. We face obstacles and let downs on a daily basis. Using mandalas and meditation together is a simple and easy way to regain your positive outlook on life.
You might try working on some mandala designs that use words that focus on the positive aspects of your job. Of use words and imagery in the designs that focus on your future job. Using specific colours will also help creative a more positive state of mind. Bright blue reminds people of strength, yellow means sunny, and lavender is a relaxing, soothing colour. Some words you might incorporate into your mandalas are strong, grateful, and serene, depending on what you're meditating on.
There are thousands of Tibetan Mandala designs you can find online if you don't feel like making your own. There are mandala calendars you can purchase. There are colouring book mandalas, mandala posters, downloadable, printable mandalas, etc. Mandalas are everywhere and for good reason.
Situations occur in life all the time but your ability to deal with them makes all the difference in your spirit and mood, and mandalas can help you get rid stress and negative feelings.
Try out Mandala healing by creating a simple circle and filling it with a word or basic symbol that has meaning to you. Colour it in with your favourite colours, taking time to enjoy this creative process. Then when it is done, tape it to the wall, sit comfortably and meditate on your new Tibetan mandala for 15 minutes. You will find yourself feeling refreshed and calm and that’s what mandala healing is all about.
Attain Spiritual Bliss with Vishnu Purana Ratna
One of the foremost Purana in the Hindu scriptures is the Vishnu Purana, which is a constituent of the eighteen great Puranas. The text of this Purana today contains 7,000 verses though it is thought to have 23,000 verses in its original form.
The Purana is in the form of a dialogue between Maharishi Parasara and the disciple Maitreya. It is however thought some of the parts have been written by Maharishi Parasara. Veda Vyasa is considered as the original source of the Puranas. Besides, these texts have survived through the age old tradition of oral reading. It is to be noted that most of the characters in this Purana cover events that are described in the Mahabharata and few of the verses describe certain events occurring after the Mahabharata froze. Some of the issues mentioned are about Lord Buddha and the reign of Chandra Gupta Maurya.
The Purana is split into six parts called amsas and have 126 chapters called adhyayas in total. The first part (amsa) details the stories of creation of the universe, the pralaya and the samundra manthanan (churning of the ocean). The concept of the four yugas in introduced in this part along with the stories of Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada. The Earth, with its seven continents and seven oceans, is elaborately described in the second section of the Purana along with the description of the nether world, the Patala, where the snake gods dwell and the hell, Naraka.
On the other side, you can see the description of the heavenly bodies, the sun and the planetary system. The third part of the Purana discusses the cycle of creation and destruction through the stories of Manvantara and the account of the Manus (ancestor of the human race). This section also discusses the four phases of life (ashramas), the four Vedas with the basis of their division and how they have been divided by Veda Vyasa.
The genealogy of the famous kings from the Suryavanshi and Chandravanshi dynasties forms part of the fourth division of the Vishnu Purana. Short summaries on the legends like the Pururavas, Urvasi, Lord Rama, birth of Pandavas and Lord Krishna can be found in this section of the Purana. Mahabharata is also touched upon briefly. The section concludes with the prophecy referring to the future kings of Magadha, Nandas, Kanvanayas and others, and the time when there would be no religion or morality which would end when Vishnu will incarnate as 'Kalki'.
The fifth part of the Vishnu Purana focuses completely with the life and times of Lord Krishna, beginning from his birth till he leaves for heavenly abode and the destruction of the Yadava clan. It is to be noted that the same stories are repeated in the same order in Harivamsa Parv of Mahabharata. This section of the Purana is the biggest with 38 chapters. Part VI of the Purana is the shortest with only eight chapters. This part deals once again with the four yugas and the effects of kaliyuga culminating in pralaya of the cosmos, the travails of being born, being a child, being an adult, old age and death, hell and heaven and finally being liberated from existence and re-birth (Moksha).
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Author of the article is associated with ExoticIndia.com , one of the reputed suppliers of Indian handicrafts, paintings, apparel, fabric, and various other exclusive products.
Unique Art
There are many ways to decorate a home with an Indian art collection. This category of art work can be placed in different styles of homes. It is also available in many different formats. Artists who make Indian art pieces take great care in the detail and the quality of their workmanship. Each piece of art is affordable and will match the existing décor in a home that understands the unique aspects of the selected genre. If you are looking to get an Indian art collection, big or small, for your home it is best to start small and work your way to larger pieces.
There are many facets to an Indian art collection. The art pieces include small and large statues, wall hangings, and even books and clothing. Each piece is colorful and unique. The artist has created a meaning to every bit of artwork that has been crafted. Even the stitching on some of the clothing has been thought about and meticulously placed to make a unique piece of art, in a garment. These designs are not the type of cheap art that you will find just anywhere. They are special and must be purchased only from particular places.
Indian art collections include unique and colorful statues that will fit on a shelf, dresser, or mantle. These pieces are affordable and popular. In addition, statues can be large enough to need their own space. You can find brass statues that are 41 inches high. These can be placed anywhere in the home or office where there might be an empty space for them. In addition to brass, statues can be made from wood or stone and even textiles. Jewelry and paintings are also considered as part of an Indian art collection.
Paintings are the most thought about pieces when someone mentions an Indian art collection. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Paintings are colorful and reflect a wide variety of the Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and faith. There are dozens of different designs to choose from. Everyone who decides to hang one of these unique pieces of art in their home must select the one that speaks to them the most. There is always going to be one painting that is a reflection of the home owner’s style, color palate, and desired look for the space where they will hang the art.
Indian art collections contain a vast array of art pieces. Anyone who is looking for unique pieces of art should consider the Indian style. The colors are vibrant and tell a story. Before purchasing artwork, consider the space where the piece is going to go. It could be a wall hanging, a mantel piece, or a statue for the corner of a meditation room. Every owner has to choose their own special piece of Indian art for their private collection.
The 7 Factors to Consider When Buying Buddha Sculptures
There are many different kinds of Buddha statues that you can choose from. However, before buying, you need to consider certain important factors that will help you in your buying process.
1. Understand why you actually want a Buddha sculpture or image?
Though different people buy the Buddha sculpture for different reasons, you must be clear with your thoughts and understand the reason behind why you actually want to buy it. The main reason behind buying a Buddha sculpture or statue is to achieve inner peace with the remembrance and understanding of the his lessons. Worshiping the sculpture will help you attain inner peace and relaxation.
Therefore, what you want to achieve will ultimately determine the type of sculpture you need to buy. For instance, if you wish to experience a great and happy life, a laughing Buddha or happy Buddha statue will be the best one for you. On the other hand, a meditating Buddha figurine would be the right choice if you wish to tame your thoughts along with meditating methods.
2. Always be very careful where you purchase your Buddha sculpture
You must be very careful while buying a Buddha sculpture and must find out where the sculpture is originally produced before buying. You can buy such sculptures from a reputable online dealer.
3. Judgment regarding quality through observing the artistry of the face
Face and posture are the critical elements to look for when buying a Buddha sculpture. The quality of the sculpture can be determined by the face painting. Moreover, the posture is another thing you need to look for. Though it is not related to the quality observation, different postures have different significance. For instance, hands relaxing on the lap signifies meditation Buddha, again, the right hand touching the world symbolizes the enlightened Buddha.
You can also buy gold sculptures for your home or look for Buddha sculptures for sale online to create a better ambiance.
4. Always remember to look at the ears
The long ears of the sculpture signifies the genuine beauty of the artistic work. So, when buying a sculpture, don’t forget to check the long ears.
5. Look into the designs on the body of the Buddha
The designs and carvings on the body talk about the quality of the sculpture. Look for some excellent designs by specialist artisans.
6. Various types of Buddha figurines
Stating from the gold and vintage Buddha sculptures to the wood and copper statues, there is a wide variety to choose from. Select the one that can help you achieve inner peace and the one you think is suitable for you.
7. Fill Buddha sculptures with mantras (Sacred Chanting)
It is believed that an unfilled Buddha figurine in your home can reduce the peace and well being. Therefore, it should be filled with mantra as it brings luck, tranquility and joy in your home.
You must try to follow the above mentioned factors when buying a Buddha sculpture to ensure peace and happiness.
Resource Box: The author of the article recommends Exotic India if you are looking for Buddha sculptures or wish to Buy Saraswati sculptures online at best prices.
