Robert W F Taylor

Mandalas for Meditation Robert W F Taylor

Some forms of meditation suggest concentrating or focusing your attention on an object 2-3 feet in front of you. This helps to keep your attention where it should be during your meditation time. Mandalas are excellent for this. When you look at a mandala, your attention is immediately drawn to the center. Mandalas begin with the center point and work outward. You can train your mind to do the same, rather than trying to be all over the place at the same time. They definitely help to focus your mind on one spot, relax and have a meaningful meditational experience. It is this ability to focus attention on one thing at a time that is vitally important. Meditation can bring calm and order to all aspects of your life. It can take you into a trance-like state and right inside your mind. It can teach you about yourself and change how you view everything around you. Evidence of mandalas appeared in Buddhism in the first century BC, although it is likely that these images were around a long time before that. In fact, one similar symbol, the 'Sri Yantra', is said to have been around up to 9,000 years ago.