Mandala Tattoos

Mandalas have been around for centuries, both as a form of meditation and art in the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian religions.

A beautiful and intricate pattern of geometrical fine lines, mandala tattoos are composed of shapes and symbols that radiate from the centre outwards. When a mandala is tattooed onto your body, it encourages you to invite peace, love and mindfulness into your life.

Mandalas have been around for centuries, both as a form of meditation and art in the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian religions.

A beautiful and intricate pattern of geometrical fine lines, mandala tattoos are composed of shapes and symbols that radiate from the centre outwards. When a mandala is tattooed onto your body, it encourages you to invite peace, love and mindfulness into your life.

History of Mandalas

A mandala (Sanskrit for circle) stands as an artistic representation of elevated concepts and profound significance. The geometric symbol is used in spiritual, emotional and psychological work to focus one’s awareness into deeper levels of understanding.

Mandalas originated when the first Buddhist monks travelled around Asia, preaching the new religion. As they travelled, they carried mandalas and brought the practice of painting them to Tibet, China and Japan. Although derived from Buddhism, mandalas quickly became present in Hinduism and other religions.

Characteristics of Mandala Tattoos

Mandala tattoos have become more popular in recent years and are incredibly distinctive. This style of tattoo is full of symbolic meanings that reflect personal beliefs, spirituality and individual journeys.  The central point of a mandala (often a lotus, jewel, wheel or tree) represents the self or the universe, while the geometric patterns radiating outwards represent the interconnectedness of life.

Some of the distinct characteristics of mandala tattoos include

  • Intricate fine lines woven into complex geometrical patterns.
  • Centrally focused designs, often depicting elements such as flowers, trees or stars.
  • Symmetrically balanced.
  • Circular in nature, though oval or lotus shapes are also common.
  • Incorporation of sacred symbols like Om, Yin and Yang or the Tree of Life.
  • Mandala tattoo colour palettes range from black ink to vibrant hues that evoke emotions and energies representative of each colour.

There are various mandala tattoo designs which convey different meanings, such as

Floral mandalas

These designs showcase lotus or cherry blossoms to convey beauty, elegance and growth.

Animal mandalas

Animals, such as elephants, wolves, or birds, can be central to the design of the mandala to represent freedom, loyalty or wisdom.

Symbolism in Mandala Tattoos

Due to their intricate patterns, there are many opportunities for symbols to be displayed within a mandala tattoo.

Traditionally, mandalas include the presence of Buddha’s mind, which is most commonly seen as a wheel, flower, jewel or tree.

The centre of a mandala tattoo can be a dot, a flower, or an animal, which is considered the starting point. Traditionally, the lines and geometrical patterns surrounding the mandala's centre symbolise the universe, encompassed by another circle representing the circle of life.

Other common symbols you may find in a mandala tattoo include

A wheel with eight spokes
The circular nature of the wheel represents a perfect universe. The eight spokes on the wheel represent the Eightfold Path of Buddhism, the practices that lead to liberation and rebirth. 
Bells
The bells included in a mandala tattoo represent openness and emptying of the mind to allow wisdom and clarity to flow. 
Triangle facing upwards
When facing upwards, triangles represent action and energy. 
Triangle facing downwards
When facing downwards, triangles represent creativity and pursuit of knowledge.
Lotus flower
One of the most sacred symbols in Buddhism, a lotus flower included in a mandala tattoo depicts balance. Growing in mud and blossoming out of water and into the light, the lotus flower represents an individual reaching spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Sun
A popular symbol in mandala tattoos, the sun represents the universe.
Horizontal line
Dividing two parts, a horizontal line represents the earth and the sky. 
A circle divided into twelve parts
This represents the cycle of nature and wholeness. 
The infinity knot
This represents Buddha’s mind and endless wisdom and compassion.
Spiral
The spiral symbolises the cyclic movement of nature and its dynamics.
Colours
Popular colours used in mandala tattoos include red (representing strength), blue (representing calmness), yellow (representing learning or wisdom) and green (representing nature or healing). 

If you’d like a mandala tattoo, contact your nearest Celebrity Ink studio to book your free initial consultation.

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