Hour 73 Meditation – Mandala Meditation – A Journey through Energy
Mandala Meditation – A Journey through Energy
Introduction to Mandala Meditation
Mandala Meditation is a potent spiritual exercise that involves the mind, body, and spirit. The term “mandala” is derived from the Sanskrit term for “circle,” representing unity, wholeness, and infinity. As a meditation tool, a mandala is a visual aid for concentrating the mind and reaching deeper levels of consciousness. It is a sacred geometric design that mirrors the universe and our position in it.
Osho’s Mandala Meditation is about becoming one with the mandala experience, using the tool as an opening to enter into a discovery of the inner self and the energy flow. Tapping into the circular motions and the energies that they illustrate, participants can unload mental static, gain an increased sense of awareness, and have moments of intense spiritual union.
Learning about Mandalas and How They Work
Mandalas are not only lovely paintings; they hold profound symbolic significance in many spiritual traditions. Mandalas are employed to symbolize the universe, the self, and the interdependence of all things. Mandalas are generally made up of concentric circles or geometric patterns that invite the viewer’s eye inward.
Symbolism of Mandalas:
Circle: Symbolizes wholeness, unity, and infinity. It has no beginning and no end, which represents the cyclical nature of life and the universe.
Center: The center of a mandala represents the self, the innermost part of one’s soul. It is the point of focus for meditation and the essence of consciousness.
Concentric Patterns: These patterns extend outward, representing the spread of awareness and integration between the individual and the universe.
The Phases of Osho’s Mandala Meditation
Osho’s Mandala Meditation is a dynamic four-stage practice to bring the practitioner into a profound state of meditative awareness. It unites activity with stillness to enable the practitioner to navigate through various layers of consciousness.
Phase 1: The First Stage – Creating Movement (15 minutes)
Purpose: To shatter the stuck energy and free tension by being in active movement.
Instructions:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, grounding your body firmly to the earth. Begin moving in any way that feels natural—jump, twirl, spin, or shake your body freely.
The movement should be continuous and fluid, allowing the energy in the body to release without inhibition. This can be spontaneous and unstructured, as the goal is to let go of any mental or physical resistance.
As you move, pay attention to your breathing. Have each inhale infuse your movement with energy and each exhale let go of tension. Let your body feel free of static patterns of mind.
If you are moved, you may chant or hum as you move in order to bring vibrational resonance to the practice.
Purpose: This level is to eliminate the mental dross of everyday thoughts, bodily tension, and emotional resistances. It opens up the body and mind for more profound meditation states by awakening the energy points and encouraging the flow of life.
Phase 2: The Second Stage – Stillness in the Mandala (15 minutes)
Objective: To move from dynamic movement to profound stillness, enabling the energies to calm down and converge.
Instructions
After the initial stage, move into a quiet, motionless position. Sit comfortably in meditative posture or lie down with eyes closed.
Imagine a mandala—either a picture you are already familiar with or one you imagine for yourself. Pay attention to the symmetry of the mandala and its very center.
As you imagine the mandala, let your body relax deeply. Bring attention to your breath, letting it become slow, deep, and natural.
The intention is to ground your awareness in the center of the mandala—the center of the circle. Imagine the mandala as a symbol of your inner cosmos and notice how your awareness opens up as you bring your attention to the center.
Purpose: This phase serves to calm the mind and make room for more profound meditation. It promotes focus, quiet, and concentration.
Phase 3: The Third Stage – Energy Movement through the Mandala (15 minutes)
Objective: To energize body and mind through the intentional flow of energy within and around the mandala.
Instructions:
As you sit or lie quietly, start to imagine energy flowing through the mandala. Picture the energy in your body flowing outward into the mandala and then back into you.
Let your breathing expand as you suck in energy from the mandala. Visualize each breath as a pulling of cosmic energy into your body, and each exhalation as a letting go of negativity or obstruction.
You might begin to feel feelings like warmth, tinging, or the feeling of vibration as you connect with the energy of the mandala coursing through your being.
If this is alright, let your body lightly swing or move small motions in accordance with the energy movement.
Purpose: This phase is all about circulating and activating energy. It entails a feeling of oneness with the universe, imagining how the energy flows into and through the mandala into your being, strengthening both physical and spiritual presence.
Phase 4: Last Phase – Silence and Stillness (15 minutes)
Objective: To consolidate the experiences and attain deep silence, letting go to the present moment.
Instructions
After the energy movement, come back to stillness. Allow your body to rest comfortably with your eyes closed and your breathing to come back to a normal pattern.
Release the visualization and just be. Notice the sensations in your body and the space around you in total silence.
You may also opt to visualize the mandala again, but this time, have it break down into the infinite, becoming one with the universe itself.
Remain in this quietness, having your mind relax and your heart remain open to the experience of pure awareness.
Purpose: The last step is designed to merge the experiences of the previous steps and let go of the present moment. This step helps you develop a feeling of inner peace, and you are able to connect deeply with your authentic self.
Benefits of Mandala Meditation
Mandala Meditation, as imparted by Osho, has a multitude of benefits such as:
Emotional Healing: The practice facilitates the release of emotional blockages and facilitates emotional healing by enabling energy to move freely in the body.
Increased Focus and Clarity: Visualizing and focusing on the mandala enhances mental clarity and focus, allowing the mind to quiet down.
Heightened Energy Awareness: Through deliberate flow of energy through the mandala, practitioners develop awareness of the subtle energies in their bodies, promoting spiritual development.
Stress Reduction: The blend of movement and quietness facilitates relaxation and allows a feeling of tranquility and harmony.
Spiritual Connection: The mandala meditation practice deepens the connection to the universe and invites spiritual awakening and illumination.
Reflective Questions
How did your body respond during the movement stage one? Did you sense any restriction or freedom in your movements?
During the stillness phase, what sensations or thoughts came up as you concentrated on the mandala? How did you feel when you arrived at the center of the mandala in your visualization?
Did the energy flow in the third phase trigger any specific emotions or physical sensations? How did you feel as the energy flowed through the mandala?
In the last stage, what was it like to come into a state of total awareness and silence? What changes did your body, mind, and energy field experience?
Conclusion
Mandala Meditation is a deep method to examine the interrelatedness of our internal and external worlds. Working with the mandala as a symbol and meditation tool, individuals can gain access to a higher state of consciousness, transmute congested energy, and merge with the boundless flow of life. Visualizing, moving, and remaining stationary in the mandala’s energy offers a life-changing process that unifies mind, body, and spirit.
By integrating Mandala Meditation into your spiritual practice, you invite greater harmony, balance, and awakening.