Introduction
Mandalas are ancient symbols of Asian culture and spirituality, and today they’re also well-known and appreciated in the West, both for their distinctive beauty and because their harmonious and symmetrical shapes increase concentration, facilitate relaxation, and help with meditation. Their roots lie in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and centuries ago they spread from India to all the countries in the Tibetan area, where this art was perfected and is still practiced today. The term “mandala,” whose Sanskrit etymology is still under debate, means circle or center; a center that opens up to infinity, just like the human soul opens up to transcendence. The circular form, which can be composed of various geometric shapes or figures to create a more complex pattern, is a sort of symbol of the Universe and its creation, which continuously expands from its nexus. Mandalas are used by monks as a form of meditation, a kind of route to follow within one’s path to enlightenment, and as a stimulus to contemplate the cosmos. In the West, the psychoanalyst Carl Jung recognized it as a useful tool for the psyche.
This wonderful coloring book is the work of Sara Muzio, who was inspired by this Far Eastern tradition to create a series of highly-detailed mandalas composed of incredibly beautiful intertwining floral patterns. You can color them in at your leisure, enjoying hours of relaxing creativity. As you choose your favorite markers or pencils and use them as you wish, you will automatically begin to reflect and contemplate, while freeing your mind of everyday worries and problems. Notice the shapes and details of these exceptional drawings and try to imagine the colors you would like the leaves and flowers in the mandalas to be. When you’ve finished, hold on to your works of art, as they will continue to transmit positivity over time.