How to Make a Buddhist Mandala

A Mandala is a sacred part of meditation. Instead of searching everywhere to purchase one, this tutorial will show you how to make your own, and feel spiritually closer to your creation.

Used in Hindu and Buddhist meditation, a Mandala is a geometric sand painting whose patterns represent the universe, life, and eternity. Here's how to make a basic one.

You Will Need:

* A design

* A large wooden board or table

* A pencil

* Craft glue

* Colored sand

* Hair spray

Step 1: Create the outer design

Draw a large square on the board or directly on the table's surface. Draw another square inside the first, slightly smaller than the first.

Step 2: Build the inner design

Draw a circle inside the inner square and then, working from the center of the first circle, draw a second, concentric circle, slightly smaller than the first.

Step 3: Work the design inward

Use the basic shapes of squares and circles to continue building the pattern inward toward the middle of the table. Each new shape should be slightly smaller than the previous shape.

Embellish your design, making it as simple or intricate as you want.

Step 4: Draw the outer circle

Draw a circle around the entire design.

Step 5: Glue sand to the table

Drip glue onto the table and pour sand onto the glue to fix it to the table.

Use different colors of sand to distinguish the design sections and just enough glue to make the sand stick to the table.

Step 6: Continue decorating

Repeat the process of laying colored sand over glue until the entire pattern is covered. This process can take several days.

Step 7: Set the sand

Apply hair spray to permanently preserve the mandala – spray generously and let dry.

Tibetan mandalas dating from the 13th century survive today.