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Sunset Swirl mandala, by David J. Bookbinder

The Dynamic Mandala
By Rolf Sattler

A mandala can be a door to the infinite because its center usually represents the source of all existence. However, a mandala is also limited because around its center it portrays the finite, the relative, and this portrayal is always limited and one-sided: only one perspective of the finite, of manifest reality. We can, however, obtain many perspectives on manifest reality, and thus a much more comprehensive picture of manifest reality, if we embrace a multitude of mandalas or the whole set of mandalas.

The dynamic mandala is the whole set of mandalas in a dynamic, transformative relationship in which each mandala is seen as a transformation of other mandalas.
We may creatively imagine the transformation or execute it through specific rules or computer programs. I presented some of the rules for conceptual mandalas in Chapter 5 of my online book Wilber's AQAL Map and Beyond.

The transformation of mandalas affects mainly the representation of manifest reality. However, even the source, although presumably the same in all mandalas, may be represented differently: for example, by an empty space, or a deity, or the Buddha as a symbol of emptiness. In certain mandalas such as flower mandalas, the center is still part of manifest reality, which means that it is not the source in the above sense from which all manifest reality arises. However, although the source is not represented explicitly, it may be implied through the form of the mandala as a whole that indicates the radiance from a center and thus allows us to feel the mystery of the source of all existence. This is also the case in a mandala that I reproduced in my online book (Fig. 5-8 in Chapter 5).

There are advantages and disadvantages of representing the source explicitly or implicitly. An explicit representation helps us to re-member the source, which is so often forgotten. It might, however, give the impression that the source is separate from manifest reality, or, in other words, that nirvana is separate from samsara. In contrast, in an implicit representation of the source, the source and its manifestation are one, or, in other words, form is emptiness, and emptiness is form. Unfortunately, this may not be obvious and may be ignored. However, many mandalas that imply the source, such as David Bookbinder's flower mandalas, touch us deeply through their beauty in which the mystery of the source reveals itself.

Regardless of whether the source is represented explicitly or implicitly, mandalas are important for transformation. The dynamic mandala is transformative in a twofold sense:

1. It allows and invites practically endless transformations of mandalas, each of which presents a different perspective on reality.
2. It facilitates transformation of the person who moves from one mandala to another and thus gains new perspectives on reality.

Thus, the dynamic mandala transforms the observed and the observer.

Transformation can be healing because it can create more balance - balance within a person and balance between different mandalas. According to Chinese medicine, health is balance. And balance includes tolerance, which in turn leads to more harmony and peace.

Nonetheless, one might say that any one single mandala is sufficient for personal transformation and healing. In a sense, this is correct because any single mandala can lead to the infinite, the source, the mystery, to transcendence of the finite, which can be healing. But since a mandala comprises both the source and its manifestation, and since the manifestation around the source is expressed differently in different mandalas, the embrace of many mandalas with different representations, different perspectives on manifestation, can prevent that we get stuck in one single representation and perhaps even take it to be the true representation. Believing that there is only one true representation means that all the other ones are false, which can lead to conflict as we have witnessed it throughout history not only with regard to different mandalas but even more with regard to different beliefs, different ideas, different philosophies, different ideologies, and different religions that worship different mandalas.

However, recognizing that different mandalas present different perspectives on manifest reality, allows tolerance because different perspectives complement one another (see Chapter 6 of my online book). Such tolerance, which is healing, is especially important in interpersonal relationships and in society at national and international levels. For this reason, the dynamic mandala, perspectivism and complementarity should play an important role in education from kindergarten to elementary school, high school, university, and adult education in lifelong learning.

There is a continuum between people who are tolerant of different views and those who insist that there is only one correct one. Somewhere along this continuum is Ken Wilber, who insists that his AQAL map of the Kosmos "is the most complete and accurate map we have at this time" (Ken Wilber: The Integral Vision, 2007, p.18). (This map can be seen as an inverted mandala that has the source at the periphery instead of in the center.) I think that Wilber's map or mandala is indeed most remarkable. It is very comprehensive and shows a good balance of "body, mind, and spirit in self, culture, and nature" (Ken Wilber: The Integral Vision, 2007, pp. 217-218). Nonetheless, Wilber's map has limitations. One of the most fundamental limitations is Wilber's insistence that manifest reality is fundamentally holarchical (hierarchical), which means that it is composed of different levels and that each higher level includes and transcends the preceding one. This view is indeed a useful perspective, but it needs to be complemented by other perspectives such as seeing manifest reality as undivided wholeness, a continuum, in terms of Yin-Yang, a network, or in terms of dialectics. If we include these perspectives, we gain a still more comprehensive and more balanced view of the Kosmos, including ourselves. The dynamic mandala comprises all of these perspectives and much more because its transformations are not restricted to conceptual mandalas such as Ken Wilber's AQAL map but include also other kinds of mandalas such as mathematical mandalas, organic/artistic mandalas, and the mandalas of the wisdom traditions.

Rolf Sattler
http://www.beyondWilber.ca

Discussion:
Art, Healing, and Transformation group
Flower Mandalas Project group
Cultivating Creativity group

Request the 15 Flower Mandalas screensaver: Fifteen Flower Mandalas

Text © 2009, Rolf Sattler
Sunset Swirl mandala image © 2008, David J. Bookbinder

Flower Essence Mandala: Turkscap-Pansy-Dianthus

Flower Essence Mandalas
By Mary Kraemer

I use edible flowers to create by hand a mini-cosmos for healing with the medicinal and spiritual qualities of the flowers and as a mediation tool. I invite you to take a moment to absorb the imageinto your mind and body and feel its qualities transform you.

Mandala in Sanskrit means essence, or containing; also translates as circle-circumference or concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Flower Essence prescription of Giant Turkscap - Malvaviscus Arboreus, Pansy, Dianthus Mandala:

Meditate on the root chakra receiving healing. This essence releases pent up creative forces within the womb area and literally sets one free to dance again in life. Corrective of imbalance: connecting with their sexuality often due to abuse. Eliminates fear and greed and brings contentment. Pansy is an immune builder as it draws out from within the individual the purest quality of heart and mind. Pansy helps us to 'face' the world, thereby, strengthening our courage to share our beauty with the world. Pansy clears negative thoughts and opens the heart chakra. Dianthus at the center promotes new perspectives on seemingly endless situations.

In different spiritual traditions, mandalas are used for focusing attention; as a spiritual teaching tool; for establishing a sacred space; and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. Its symbolic nature can help one to access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises. The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the mandala as a representation of the unconscious self, and believed his paintings of mandalas enabled him to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality.

Mandala represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the Universe from the human perspective and a microcosm representing various divine powers at work in the universe.

Mandalas are a sacred places reminding the viewer of the sanctity in the Universe and its potential in his or her self. The purpose being to put an end to human suffering, be enlightened and to discover divinity within one's own self.

When I created this design and shot this photo, I used what flowers I had available as well as what design I was drawn to making. I had hoped to heal others as well as myself when making it as is my intention. But it isn't till I write this that I realize this specific flower combination heals me as well. I too suffer from great bouts of fear and feel unable to dance. My situation being unemployed and a single parent makes my suffering acute as my children are in this situation as well. I really need pansy to help face this situation and clear my negative thoughts. Dianthus additionally helps me have new perspective on the situation seemingly that is endless.

Thanks for giving me a forum.

Mary Kraemer
mary@rosamilagrosa.com
512-482-0777
www.RosaMilagrosa.com

Edible Flower Photography, Edible Flower Mandalas for Cakes, Healing with Holographic Repatterning

Discussion:
Art, Healing, and Transformation group
Flower Mandalas Project group
Cultivating Creativity group

Request the 15 Flower Mandalas screensaver: Fifteen Flower Mandalas

© 2009, Mary Kraemer

'Cultivating Creativity' Group logo

Below are reports from two members of the 'Cultivating Creativity' group documenting their experiences as "miracle partners" in the group, and beyond.

Chrysalis's story
The cultivating creativity group came along for me a couple of months after I'd crashed and burned with stress work. It left me depressed, exhausted and unable to cope with life. Initially I saw the group as a way to bring some healing creativity back into my life, but once I started the process, I realised it was an opportunity to create a new life entirely, and that's what I'm doing!

I took time to choose a partner I felt I could relate to. Eva is a therapist with young people in the school and I was a therapist, but more recently have been teaching young asylum seekers. As time has progressed, we've established a good connection and often parallel each other when dealing with changes etc. Knowing we are going through a similar process, means we can and do share things with each other beyond what gets on the Cultivating Creativity board. We've become our own little support system.
The changes for me, have been huge. I've basically turned my life around. I'm setting up a business and going back to my spiritual work, I'm more focused and enjoying life again. I've gone from virtually nothing to meditating, journaling and exercising every morning and now split my week between teaching and getting creative, designing my website and writing. I've just begun to play the guitar again and started to pick up my art, a huge shift from where I was when I started the group. I've even created a Beliefnet group, Living Life Authentically, where I and others share our path's, which has brought me community and new friendships that I wanted.

It has been good to see and comment on other's miracles, fantastic to see them manifest. Having a partner is excellent! There's nothing quite like sharing a process with someone dealing with similar 'stuff'. I think Eva and I will remain firm friends, albeit across the pond!

I've taken my miracle a whole lot further than my original post. Once I got started and began to work towards what I see is my life purpose, things began to flow and opportunities etc are flowing with it. In the future, I see a balance between my spiritual work and my creative work, with some travel thrown in for good measure!
I would say to anyone considering joining Cultivating Creativity, just go for it! You have nothing to lose. I'd recommend doing it with a partner if you can, as you're both in it together and can appreciate each other's excitements and support each other's bumps along the way. I also think that you need to be motivated or that your partner can help to motivate you or you could lose momentum.

The cultivating creativity group is a fantastic opportunity to make some positive changes in your life. Thanks to David for setting up the group and to Eva for her support, I've made a massive change happen in a few months. Isn't it at least worth a try?
Chrysalis

Eva's story
Hello! My name is Eva. I was drawn to the Cultivating Creativity group because I noticed some of David's pictures in his Flower Mandalas blog. I was looking at some of the flower mandalas and felt that I could actually see their life force. I imagined that it was their chi being picked up in the photos; they seemed to be illuminated from within. I thought that was kinda cool, and I resonated with that. I'm a fan of Georgia O'Keefe and the photos reminded me of her work. I then noticed that David had a group. I was drawn to it because I wanted to encourage the spurt of personal writing I was doing at that time.
I joined Cultivating Creativity and I believe I was discussing my profession and the teens I work with when I met Chrysalis. We have a lot in common. We are both therapists and seem to be interested in similar things spiritually, creatively and professionally. I also liked the idea that she was from England! We also seem to share a sense of humor and a similar communication style and we linked up!

Oh, lots have changed for me since I joined Cultivating Creativity. There have been quite a few shifts and changes for me. The one thing that has remained steady is that I have been able to maintain a positive focus amidst all the chaos. It feels like all the things that are not working are in the process of falling away so that I now have more freedom to have success and a more creative lifestyle for myself. That's what miracles are about; it certainly has been a challenge! It continues to be an invigorating challenge.
What I like about the Cultivating Creativity group process is that it keeps me mindful and accountable regarding the footwork needed to stay in the miracle moment. I enjoy bouncing around new ideas with Chrysalis and it keeps me stimulated to work on my creative process instead of letting it get buried in the mundane. I like the feedback and the structure of group process and it helps to move forward a bit with suggested questions and comments. It stinks to be stuck creatively and working in a group sometimes helps to move you forward. I think it may also help keep you creative if all becomes chaos. Check out some of the video downloads at the end of this blog!
I consider Chrysalis a friend and I hope we can continue to move forward together in continuing to create. One of the many goals I have is to continue my personal writing and to give that some more time.

I think that either trying a group on your own or in tandem with someone else is an excellent idea, and I believe that whatever we decide to pay loving attention to in our lives flourishes. It helps me to bounce ideas around with someone on the same path. Thoughts and suggestions with other people stimulate my creative process. Thank you for the opportunity, Chrysalis and David!
Eva

Related video links from Eva:
Breathing Meditation with Thich Nhat Hanh
Pema Chodron on Bill Moyers Faith and Reason
GOD -An excerpt from the Upanishads
Om Namah Shivaya (Shiva Sahasranama Mantra)
Jesus Is Speaking from A Course In Miracles
Inspirational Quotes for Success
I'm Alive!

Discussion:
Cultivating Creativity group
Art, Healing, and Transformation group
Flower Mandalas Project group

Request a flower mandala screensaver: Fifteen Flower Mandalas

Image © 2008, David J. Bookbinder

The Work of Art
by T.K. Pippin

To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great courage.
-Henri Matisse

As a studio artist, poet and songwriter, I receive inspiration not only from the world around me, but also from within. I think these are both important because throughout life we are searching, purposefully, for connection. If we cannot see the world through the eyes of a serial killer then how can we understand the serial killer. It is not that we must become him, instead we must find his heart and mind and put ourselves in his place, to try to see what influenced him, what obstacles he endured and what his inner self compels him to do based on these.

The first step in my process is to lose myself, become free, forget myself, in order to understand something that I think I am not, but in the end, eventually find in myself. To open myself to what might flow through me.

The second step would be to put this into action, in any chosen medium, through pen and ink, paint and paper, or camera and film, or even a musical instrument, expressing what was conjured within. In my art I love using almost all mediums. I, myself, receive images of orbs, globes and dreamlike visions when I paint expressively. But, I also love drawing realistic charcoals and taking simple photographs of flowers.

The third process would be to edit, to perfect, because being human is to error, and though tedious, it is what makes us more than human, spirit, refined in the fire, to make ready and understandable or challenging for it's audience.

The final step is delivery, which I might venture to say is the most difficult for me, because it exposes me and my thoughts, feelings, emotions, soul and even body to the audience. Whether it's flower mandalas, music, drawings, paintings, poetry, or photography, it's a part of us and we are most protective of ourselves. This fear of nakedness and rejection - but what we fear the most seems, in the end, to release us into greater freedom.

I find it funny how people around me see art and aesthetics to be almost like a missionary cause, like it should be free, as if, just because one is talented at art, she/he should give it away (maybe so in a utopian society where everything else is free). Like we don't work for the result that they see, or have to eat or pay bills, that it is all fun and games and in turn should be handed out that way.

It is so much more, and this is where we get the starving artist and those who try to mimic this. The talent of art, in any form, is a gift, just like public relations or teaching or nursing. We WORK, we sweat, we use our time to give something with so much meaning to those who cannot express it themselves and yet we are seen as flighty, far-out, and unimportant.

Recent studies have shown otherwise. With sick and dying children in hospitals, those who are given rooms painted with big beautiful flowers, plants, and other visuals had substantially increased chances of recovery and survival compared to those who are placed in plain white-walled rooms. This speaks volumes of the importance of art in our communities and culture.

© 2008 T.K. Pippin

Discussion:
T.K. Pippin: The Work of Art
Art, Healing, and Transformation group
Flower Mandalas Project group
Cultivating Creativity group

Request a flower mandala screensaver: Fifteen Flower Mandalas