PURPOSEFUL PATTERNS: MANDALA STONES
The magic of mandalas in a touchstone! Brilliant. Mesmerizing. Soothing.
Mandala Stones, by artist Lina West, transform the spiritual qualities of mandalas into 3D tactile art. They must be touched to be fully appreciated.
Each Mandala Stone has approximately 2000 dots. The dots are layered on the top of each other. Sometimes it takes as much as 10 layers to achieve the cool 3D effect.
A mandala is an ancient spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism that represents the universe. Mandala’s are typically circular, comprised of complex patterns that represent the cosmos. They are sometimes considered to be microcosms of the cosmos.
Many mandala designs are mathematically based, using principles of geometry and fractals.
The word “mandala” means circle in Sanskrit मण्डल. Traditionally, mandala patterns are based on squares, signifying four gates inside a circle. They are gates to enlightenment.
The pattern elements emanate from the center point of the mandala circle, with radial balance. In this design, each gate is in the general shape of a “T.”
Mandalas can be used in meditation, as a tool for focusing attention. They are also used for spiritual guidance to establish sacred space.
Mandala Stones add a palpable quality to meditation, kind of like a rosary or a netsuke, if you choose to use them as such.
Lina West’s Mandala Stones are remarkably reminiscent of sea urchin shells, with the raised dots mimicking the condylar bumps from which the creature’s spines emanate. They are a beautiful addition to a coffee table or other tablescape.
You can purchase Lina West Mandala Stones here. You can see even more on Lina West’s Instagram.
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All Mandala Stones are by Lina West.