How to Draw a Mandala

A line-only mandala from the Pixabay library.

I learned about mandalas while researching last week's blog post about creating a drawing habit. Mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit. They are art forms made with intricate patterns of symbols and shapes formed around a center point. I'm attracted to them because anyone with a little patience and focus can draw them. They also have interesting symbology and meaning throughout history and throughout the world.

A colorful mandala from the Pixabay library.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Mandalas can be traced back to multiple cultures and religions. Their earliest known depictions are found in the sacred art of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, mandalas symbolize the universe, representing cosmic and spiritual energies. For Buddhists, mandalas are essential tools in meditation, aiding practitioners in focusing their minds and facilitating enlightenment. Similarly, Jain mandalas represent the universe's eternal cycle and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Across cultures, mandalas have also served as symbols of unity, harmony, and balance. Native Americans, ancient Greeks, and even medieval Christians used them to represent the cyclical nature of life, the seasons, and the eternal circle of existence.

In many traditions, creating or contemplating a mandala can facilitate a connection to the divine and the cosmos. The process of producing a mandala is considered a form of prayer or devotion, as each intricate detail becomes a representation of the artist's devotion and gratitude.

A monochrome mandala in blue from the Pixabay library

Drawing Mandalas for Relaxation and Well-Being

Mandalas are believed to be powerful tools for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and healing. Drawing or coloring mandalas can serve as a form of meditation, leading the creator to a state of mindfulness and inner peace. Drawing, coloring, or even simply observing mandalas can have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Most of the physical and mental benefits mentioned in the Eight Reasons to Draw Even When You Think You Can't post can be gained by drawing mandalas:

• Stress Reduction

• Mindfulness

• Self-Expression

• Emotional Healing

• Boosting Creativity

A colorful freeform mandala from the Pixabay library.

Eight Steps to Drawing a Mandala

There's a basic formula or structure to drawing mandalas but as with all things art and creativity, you are encouraged to form your own process and style. Here are some directions to get you started.

Gather your tools and materials.

You can create a mandala with nothing more than a pencil and paper, but having colors and tools to aid your design symmetry can add to the joy. (Paid links to a few of my faves but no extra charge to you.)

• Blank paper or a sketch book or a mandala template

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Compass

• Eraser

• Fine tip black marker

• Colored pencils, markers, or other coloring tools

Create the mandala guide.

You might find a guide like this helpful in keeping a symmetrical design but it's not required for drawing a mandala.

Choose a Center. Place a dot or draw a small circle to mark the center point of your mandala. You'll build out your design from this center point.

Draw Circles around the Center Point. Using your compass (or free hand), draw a series of concentric circles around the center point. These circles are guidelines for your mandala's design. Make as many as you like, depending on the size and complexity you want for your mandala.

Divide the Circles. Using your ruler (or free hand), divide each circle into equal, triangular sections. For example, you might divide a circle into 8, 12, or 16 sections. The number is up to you. You'll use these as guides to create symmetry in your mandala by repeating designs in each section.

Draw the mandala.

Create Basic Shapes. Start in the middle. In each section, start drawing basic shapes like triangles, squares, rectangles, circles, teardrops, stars, petals, leaves, or any other shape you prefer. Experiment with different shapes in different sections.

Add Patterns and Details. Within each shape, add patterns, lines, and intricate designs. You can use dots, lines, spirals, curves, and any other pattern that comes to mind.

Maintain Symmetry. Replicate similar patterns and designs in the corresponding sections around a circle. This will create the symmetrical and balanced look that mandalas are known for.

Continue Outward. Work your way outward from the center, repeating the process of adding shapes and patterns to each section/ circle.

A series of photos showing the progress on a mandala I drew. Even with my untrained hand and primitive shapes, it's easy (and gratifying!) to make.

Once you're satisfied with the patterns and details, go over your pencil lines with a fine-tipped marker (if needed), clean up your lines, and if desired, add colors to your design. Get creative and find flow!

Remember that mandalas are a form of creative expression, so don't worry about making everything perfect. Embrace imperfections and allow your personal style to come through. Break the rules. Enjoy the act of drawing and keep going!

More Resources

I really like the site 100mandalas.com. Go there to find mandala video tutorials, examples, and encouragement. It looks like the site hasn't been updated for a couple of years but it's still great content if you want to go deeper in developing your mandala art.

Also, I recently purchased and shared these mandala coloring cards and markers in a team meeting. They were a big hit, allowing people to work creatively during intense strategic thinking exercises.