Mandalas

Mandalas inspired by my South Indian heritage and its effect on mindfulness and meditation

Mandalas

Inspired by South Indian heritage & culture

The meditative ritual of Kōlam art is predominantly observed by women in Tamil Nadu, India, and symbolizes invitation, harmony, and wellness.
Using rice flour, women delicately create the Kōlam design using their fingertips at the entrance of homes.
The sacred art of making a Kōlam brings a graceful and delightful sense of calm and peace both to the creator and the viewer.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SOUTH INDIAN RITUAL ART, KŌLAM

Kōlam, which translates to "sketch" in English, adorns the floors of South Indian homes, from festivities and spiritual events to celebrations like weddings, birth announcements, and festivals. These designs symbolize more than artistic expression—they stand as spiritous symbols of harmony, unity, and sacred offerings.

Rooted in centuries-old tradition, Kōlam's legendary origin traces back to the ninth-century medieval Tamil saint Āņțāļ. The name Āņțāļ, meaning "she who rules," embodies the Earth Goddess. The story of Āņțāļ mirrors the profound essence of Kōlam—ritual acts of love that create fields of forgiveness. This ancient practice, handed down through generations, holds a timeless significance in South Indian culture, weaving together art, spirituality, and the enduring values of love and forgiveness.

The auspiciousness of Kōlam is attributed not to the person creating it but to the intentions and actions filled with goodness during the process. The making of Kōlam is a holistic activity involving various mathematical skills, encompassing counting, identifying, measuring, designing, experimenting, and explaining. This intricate combination of skills adds depth to the art form, making it a harmonious blend of creativity and mathematical precision.

MY UPBRINGING AND CONNECTION TO THE MANDALA ART

I was raised in a devout, middle-class, joint family in South India. My household had multi-generations living together, including my siblings, parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle. My mother would create a Kōlam on the threshold and the prayer hall floor as part of her daily cherished ritual. On special religious occasions, my home would transform with the intricate beauty of an elaborate rice paste Kōlam crafted by my mother. The occasion would also include a sacred fire ceremony led by priests and resonant chants of Vedic hymns. My family would invite friends and neighbors to join us in special homemade feasts, creating a heartwarming tradition that fostered a strong sense of community.

Growing up in such a family gave me profound insights into the significance of family rituals, the transformative power of prayer and spirituality, and the enduring importance of community connections. In expressing my sense of belonging and identity, I turn to the symbolic language woven into the intricate art of mandalas.

FIVE FACTS ABOUT THE KŌLAM ART

Symbolism of Time and Space

The artistry of Kōlam serves as a symbolic reflection of the universe, with its limitless designs mirroring the boundless nature of space. Traditionally crafted before sunrise, Kōlam establishes a connection with celestial elements, infusing daily life with renewed energy.

Ritual Offering to Earth Goddess

The Kōlam serves as a ritual offering to the Earth Goddess, seeking forgiveness for stepping on her. It also honors the Goddesses of Wealth and Fortune, inviting prosperity and wellness into the household.

Dharmic Offering and Generosity

The Kōlam, created with rice flour, symbolizes a "Dharmic Offering," extending generosity to non-human creatures like ants and sparrows. It becomes an invitation for them to feed on the rice flour.

A Sign of Visual Prayer

Beyond its visual appeal, the Kōlam is a prayer for sustained blessings, including health, wealth, and resilience in times of suffering. Its presence at the entrance signifies the ordinary vibrancy of a harmonious household. Its absence indicates a potential sign of illness, suffering, or death overnight — a signal for neighbors to offer assistance and solace to grieving household members. Hence, the Kōlam represents the impermanence of life.

It's Ephemeral

The Kolam is swept up, blown away by the breeze, erased by the passing feet, nibbled on by insects, or washed away in the rain. Hence, its ephemeral nature underlines the transient nature of existence, representing a desire for a fleeting moment of fullness before fading away.

PAINTINGS INSPIRED BY THE TYPES OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN MANDALAS

"Padi Kōlam" - a Line Mandala

Creating a Line Mandala involves laying a grid of intersecting parallel and perpendicular lines at the center. This foundational structure is then expanded with the addition of triangles, rectangles, and trapezoids. The resulting design often resembles a top-down view of a temple, complete with four tall towers or "gopurams," sacred tanks or "kulams" within the temple grounds, and steps represented by four sets of lines leading toward the center of the reservoir. This intricate representation merges geometric precision with symbolic elements inspired by sacred architecture and local reservoirs.

Line Mandalas are often created to commemorate special occasions like weddings, birth announcements, and religious events.

Painting inspired by Line Mandala

Festive Spirit
Acrylic on board
Vidya Shyamsundar
2015

"Pulli Kōlam" - a Dot Mandala

The motifs on a dot mandala are created by connecting evenly spaced dots within a grid structure.
Every day, new designs are created, often taking inspiration from nature,
including depictions of living organisms such as birds, animals, and insects, as well as sacred objects like lamps, conches, pots etc.

Photo Credit: Sant's Fotos

Painting inspired by Dot Mandala

Batik
Acrylic on board
Vidya Shyamsundar
2016

"Shulli Kōlam" - a Knot Mandala

On a Knot Mandala, a series of evenly spaced dots act as reference points. The complexity of these labyrinth-like patterns arises from the intricate process of twirling or looping around these dots in a continuous motion. The dots in the grid serve solely as guides and are not physically connected, allowing for a visually mesmerizing and captivating result.

Photo Credit: Sant's Fotos

Painting inspired by Knot Mandala

Fortune
Acrylic on board
Vidya Shyamsundar
2016

"Pookalam" - a Flower Mandala

The celebration of Onam in Kerala involves a ten-day festival to welcome the legendary king, Mahabali, typically falling in August/September. A central part of the festivities is the decoration of home entrances with Pookalam, where “Poo” means flower and “Kalam” means sketch. Pookalam is created by drawing a geometric pattern on wet sand, artistically adorned with a vibrant array of fresh flowers and petals.

Painting inspired by Flower Mandala

Spring Dance
Acrylic on board
Vidya Shyamsundar
2021

"Rangoli" - Colored Mandala

Rangoli, a vibrant and colorful mandala art form, is crafted with powdered sand and is particularly popular during festivals like Diwali, Navarathri, and Holi. This intricate design adds to the festive ambiance, symbolizing celebration and joy. The pigments used in Rangoli can be derived from either natural sources or synthetic dyes, contributing to the wide range of hues that bring these creations to life during various cultural celebrations.

Painting inspired by Rangoli Mandala

Spirit of Joy
Acrylic on board
Vidya Shyamsundar
2021

THE RADIANT LOTUS - A STORY-TELLING PROJECT

The Radiant Lotus; Acrylic on Canvas,; 48" H x 48" W, 2021

Work-in-Progress

1/3

1/1

The Beginnings...

Facts about Jasmine flower

Drawing Mandala Circles

a Knot Mandala Demo

Travelling back to Childhood

Mandala Colors and Facts

a Dot Mandala Demo

a Line Mandala Demo

The Radiant Lotus - A Mandala Art Story Telling Project

Festive Mandala Drawings

PAINTING SERIES
INSPIRED BY
THE UPANISHADS

These paintings were Inspired by the "The Upanishads," a classic work of Indian spirituality introduced and translated by Eknath Easwaran.

The Upanishads are the sages’ wisdom and spiritual teachings exploring the consciousness. The Upanishads focus on the medium of knowing: the mind by looking inward. They are not philosophy. They do not explain or develop a line of argument. They are darshana, “something seen,” not only to listen to the words but to realize them: that is, to make our truths an integral part of character, conduct, and consciousness. Although we speak of Upanishads together as a body, each chapter is complete in itself, an ecstatic snapshot of transcendent Reality. Eswaran shows how these teachings are just as relevant to us now as they were centuries ago.

Cycle of Life; Mixed Media on cradled wood board; 24"h x 24"w x 2"d; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

As a caterpillar, having come to the end of
one blade of grass, draws itself together and
reaches out for the next, so the Self, having
come to the end of one life and dispelled
all ignorance, gathers in his faculties and
reaches out from the old body to a new.
- The Upanishads (Brihadaranyaka IV. 4.3)

Morning Greetings; Mixed Media on cradled wood board; 24"h x 24"w x 2"d; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
- The Upanishads (Brihadaranyaka IV. 4.5)

Finding Wholeness; Mixed Media on cradled wood board; 24"h x 24"w x 2"d; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

As the rain on a mountain peak runs off
The slopes on all sides, so those who see
Only the seeming multiplicity of life
Run after things on every side.
- The Upanishads (Katha II. 1.14)

Eternity; Mixed Media on cradled wood board; 24"h x 24"w x 2"d; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

When all desires that surge in the heart
Are renounced, the mortal becomes immortal.
When all the knots that strangle the heart
Are loosened, the mortal becomes immortal.
This sums up the teaching of the scriptures.
- The Upanishads (Katha.II.3.14-15)

PAINTING SERIES
INSPIRED BY THE
FIVE PRINCIPLES OF
KARMA YOGA

The Bhagavad Gita, also called The Gita, is a part of the epic Mahabharata. It narrates the war between two households, the Pandavas and Kauravas, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, revolving around a property dispute. In this critical juncture, Krishna, often called the source, God, or Bhagavan, imparts a profound ninety-minute discourse to Arjuna, the Pandava warrior and seeker. This dialogue encapsulates essential teachings on duty, righteousness, and the path to spiritual fulfillment, making The Gita a timeless philosophical guide.

A Karma Yogi, as outlined in The Gita, is one who remains fully engaged in the world. The inner attitude of a Karma Yogi is defined by understanding the Five Principles of Karma Yoga: Karma (action), Dharma (duty/righteousness), Prasada Buddhi (acceptance of results as divine grace), Vairagya (detachment), and Moksha (liberation). These principles guide the path of action and spiritual growth as per the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Karma; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

In Sanskrit, "karma" means action. It embodies the natural law of cause and effect, representing the understanding that our actions shape our present circumstances, and our current actions influence our future.

Karma is not about reward or punishment; it's a reflection of the consequences of our actions. While we are accountable for our deeds, the tendency to blame others when outcomes are unfavorable is a common challenge. The wisdom lies in recognizing our responsibility in the unfolding of events and understanding the profound interplay of actions in shaping our life's trajectory.

Dharma; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

In Sanskrit, "dharma" means adherence to truth in action and conduct. Practicing righteousness can be approached in two ways: by heeding our intuition and seeking guidance from wise teachers, and by embracing non-violence, ensuring that our thoughts and actions cause the least harm. These principles guide individuals on a path of moral and ethical conduct, promoting harmony and balance in life.

Here is an incident from my childhood that highlights the concept of dharma.

I grew up in a small village along the Southern coastal region of India until my teenage years. I was raised in a middle-class joint family, meaning three generations (myself and my siblings, parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle) of family members lived together in the same household. My father was the primary breadwinner. My grandmother had a small home-based business selling papads and pickles, my grandfather was retired, my uncle had a disability, and my aunt was an elementary school teacher. My mother was a homemaker. There was no room for discretionary income, and my family was careful with spending but not frugal. My grandmother and mother always offered food to families with trouble meeting their ends.

I vividly recall an incident. A young family of four strangers stood by our gate, and my grandfather stepped out to inquire about their whereabouts and found that they were homeless and hungry. My grandfather let them sit on our porch until my grandmother and mother brought fresh home-cooked meals and served them. I could still picture the scene in which they sat with their legs crossed on our cement floor; they relished every mouthful of the fresh meal served on a banana leaf. I would call this a "dharmic offering."

Prasada Buddhi; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

"Prasada Buddhi", the ability to accept the outcomes of our actions as determined by the laws of karma and dharma, is a significant aspect of spiritual practice. In the Indian context, the tradition of offering prasad in temples symbolizes divine blessings in the form of treats like flowers, fruits, or sweets. Embracing Prasada Buddhi means acknowledging that the results of our actions may not always align with our desires, and it involves cultivating gratitude and contentment.

The practice of writing a page of gratitude aligns with this principle, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and accepting life’s outcomes with thankfulness. It reflects a conscious effort to embrace Prasada Buddhi in our daily life.

Vairagya; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

In Sanskrit, "vairagya" means non-attachment. This concept emphasizes the understanding that while we have control over our actions, we don't have control over the results. The outcomes of our actions may bring either pain or pleasure, but they do not offer lasting peace.

Practicing vairagya involves engaging with the world without emotional dependence and not fixating on the results as the ultimate goal. This approach encourages a sense of detachment from the transient nature of outcomes, fostering a more profound inner peace that is not contingent upon external circumstances.

Moksha; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

In Sanskrit, "moksha" signifies freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, akin to spiritual enlightenment. In Vedic texts, the four Purusharthas, namely Kama, Artha, Dharma, and Moksha, represent the aims of human pursuit toward spiritual growth.

Kama relates to the pursuit of pleasure and experiencing love, beauty, and delight. Artha involves the acquisition of material wealth for survival and prosperity. Dharma encompasses duty and morality, emphasizing service to the greater good based on truth and honesty. Moksha, the ultimate goal, signifies liberation.

A harmonious integration and balance of all four Purusharthas are essential for spiritual growth, with Dharma as the primary guiding principle. The interconnectedness of Dharma, Artha, and Kama is emphasized, underscoring that each action contributes to the process of spiritual growth. Ultimately, Moksha represents the highest bliss achieved through understanding oneself amidst life's challenges and ignorance.

THE CHAKRAS

My Chakras paintings were Inspired by the book, "Chakras," A Beginner's Guide to Healing by Heidi E. Spear

Chakras, meaning wheels or discs, are vital energy centers influencing our overall well-being. They act as a bridge, connecting the earth's energy from the Root Chakra at the base of the spine to the energy of pure consciousness descending through the Crown Chakra at the top of the head. These energy centers can become imbalanced at different times, impacting our daily and yearly experiences.

Visualizing the location of each Chakra and understanding their associated colors, aligned with the order of the rainbow (ROY G BIV), allows individuals to tap into these energies consciously. The colors associated with each Chakra are as follows:

- Red: Root

- Orange: Sacral

- Yellow: Solar Plexus

- Green: Heart

- Blue: Throat

- Indigo: Third Eye

- Violet: Crown

This visualization and awareness can bring clarity and ease to the conscious creation of one's life path.

"Muladhara" - The Root Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

The Root Chakra, situated at the base of the spine, supports our sense of security, safety, and stability, particularly concerning our fundamental needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
To work with the Root Chakra, we can draw energy upward for revitalization or send it downward to ground ourselves. The characteristics include - Color: Red; Element: Earth; Crystal: Bloodstone
When the Muladhara Chakra is in balance, it reinforces the understanding that we have the right to feel alive, loved, supported, safe, and content in our day-to-day lives. This balanced state empowers us to see tasks through to completion with a sense of confidence and stability.

"Svadhistana" - The Sacral Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

Rooted in the first lumbar vertebra of the spine and located in the lower abdomen below the navel, the Sacral Chakra is a vital energy center that facilitates the creation and adaptation to change.
"Sva" meaning one's own place and "Svad" implying sweetness; the Sacral Chakra is associated with life's pleasures, including sexuality, creativity, emotional stability, and trust in intimate relationships. The characteristics include - Color: Orange; Element: Water; Crystal: Carnelian
In a balanced state, the Svadhistana Chakra allows for enjoying life's pleasures, fostering emotional stability, security, and support. This balance empowers individuals to tap into their creativity, explore new experiences, and maintain a healthy relationship with their sexuality.

"Manipura" - The Solar Plexus Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

"Manipura," meaning lustrous gem, is the Solar Plexus Chakra, rooted between the seventh and eighth thoracic vertebrae between the navel and the sternum. This chakra is crucial in supporting self-esteem, willpower, and transformation.
The characteristics include – Color: Yellow; Element: Fire; Crystal: Citrine
In a balanced state, the Manipura Chakra brings energy, positive self-esteem, the ability to initiate ideas, and the capacity to transform challenges into opportunities. This balanced energy center empowers individuals to navigate life with confidence and resilience.

"Anahata" - The Heart Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

"Anahata," meaning unstuck, represents the Heart Chakra, rooted at the center of the chest, specifically at the fourth thoracic vertebra. This chakra is pivotal in supporting the expansiveness of feelings, emphasizing a love that nourishes energy between individuals, distinct from the sexual love felt in the Sacral Chakra.
The characteristics include – Color: Green; Element: Air; Crystals: Rose Quartz or Jade
In a balanced state, the Heart Chakra brings warmth, joy, acceptance, respect, and support. This balance fosters a sense of peace and harmony in relationships, highlighting the importance of open communication and the risks worth taking when one feels supported.

"Visuddha" - The Throat Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

"Visuddha," meaning purification, represents the Throat Chakra, rooted just above the collarbone at the third cervical vertebra. This chakra is the bridge from the Heart to the Third Eye and is vital in supporting self-authenticity.
The characteristics include – Color: Blue; Element: Sound; Crystals: Lapis Lazuli or Turquoise
In a balanced state, the Throat Chakra empowers self-expression, encompassing the ability to speak, listen, understand, and respond effectively in conversations and relationships. This balance allows individuals to create their lives by expressing and sharing their gifts and talents, contributing meaningfully to discussions, and fostering compassion by actively listening and helping solve problems.

"Ajna" - The Third-Eye Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

"Ajna," meaning to perceive, represents the Third Eye Chakra, rooted in the space between the eyes and slightly higher than the brow line. This chakra supports seeing beyond the physical realm and involves a perception beyond the five physical senses.
The characteristics include – Color: Indigo; Element: Light; Crystal: Amethyst
In a balanced state, the Third Eye Chakra allows individuals to shine brightly and confidently by integrating knowledge and intuition. Balanced Ajna Chakra empowers wise decision-making, acknowledging the potential risks involved and making choices that align with one's deeper understanding and intuition. This chakra connects to wisdom and encourages a sense of openness to the vast possibilities beyond what is immediately apparent.

"Sahasrara" - The Crown Chakra; Mixed Media on wood panel; 6"h x 6"w; Vidya Shyamsundar; 2021

"Sahasrara," meaning thousandfold, symbolizes the Crown Chakra, portrayed as a lotus flower with one thousand petals. This metaphor mirrors the human experience, rooted in the earthly and physical realm, yet aspiring toward bliss and life-force energy that unites all things.
The characteristics include – Color: Purple; Element: Thought; Crystals: Clear Quartz or Moonstone
When in balance, the Crown Chakra, rooted in the top of the head, cultivates a sense of inner peace. Emotions remain unaffected by internal or external influences, allowing individuals to experience a state of bliss mentally, physically, and spiritually. This balanced state fosters an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, embodying the realization that we are all one.