Mandala Teacher's Guide
1: Look for Symmetry, Balance, and Order (Elementary, Secondary, Visual Arts)
The careful arrangement of the various design elements contributes to the mandala's function as an aid to meditation and to attaining enlightenment. Use the mandala to introduce the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry. Talk about how the orderly arrangement of geometric and organic shapes and primary, secondary, and complimentary colors creates balance in the mandala's composition.
2: Work with Quadrants (Elementary, Secondary, Visual Arts)
The palace in the sand mandala is divided into quadrants, each with a gate facing one of the four directions and watched by a masked guardian. Divide the students into groups of four. Give each group a large square of drawing paper marked off in quadrants. Tell them to use their imaginations, and ask each student to create a palace gate on one of the quadrants. When they have finished, discuss the overall effect of each group's drawings and how the gates work together.
3: Make Art with Geometry (Elementary, Secondary, Visual Arts)
Have the students use drawing tools, such as a compass, T square, and ruler, to make geometric shapes for a diagram. Find ideas for subject matter in the other activities.