This Post is via invitation of Sindy over at https://bluebutterfliesandme.wordpress.com/ to go Retro In honour of Mercury Retrograde, Sindy has invited me to re-blog or re-fresh, or re-fresh a post from my archives .. I spent a while choosing which I should share and chose this.. one below.. Why? because I am into my own ‘Creative’ mood again, but I also realise that everything is only on loan.. As we learn to let things Go, and the Monks show us several of the traits I have posted on recently.. Patience, And Balance as they show us all is in ‘transit’ as we merge and flow within the Universe..
Blessings Sue
The Original post can be found HERE
So what is a Mandala?
The word Mandala (pronunciation mon- dah- lah) means “circle”. A Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds.
I thoroughly enjoyed painting this one which Shree designed Here . I used watercolours after printing off Shree’s design on some Ivory card which I use for Ink and washes . I commenced my painting starting from the centre. I lit a candle and set my intention and started to paint from the centre outwards.
All the time I was painting I was seeing how Shree had cleverly constructed its design, and I used my own intuition as to what colours to paint . Seeing also the various forms which represented to me certain parts of our Earth and Universe..
For instance the wavy lines represented to me the ocean and how it surrounds all our lands, and within how we are made up of the majority of water. The waves also represented our Mass Consciousness joining each element together. The white spots on the blue, both in the centre and around the edges are the planets and stars of the Universe. The Rainbows in each of the four corners are the spectrum of colour found in Water and crystals combining the elements of Earth and Water. The white tear like shapes again is water and how it weaves its way through rivers and streams, our tears and the rain. The Red and Orange represents Fire and Energy, while the four red triangles with the S shape swirl to me represented the Wind of the four corners. Then after I had painted all the colours I went over Shree’s outline again in black paint.
Even now each time I gaze upon it I see a new element. But for me I just enjoyed being so absorbed within the creation as I blended as one within its flow of energy.
Mandala – Sanskrit word meaning container for essence -energy, circle, totality, completion.
Mandala, is the ‘space’ where the inner and outer worlds meet, a place that can hold and manifest the powerful energy of intention .
Creating a Mandala The internet is full of Beautiful creations of mandalas and their meanings. Just take a look at some Here
Above are some monks who are creating their mandala out of coloured sand After its complete they brush it away, as they symbolise the letting go of the material and the impermanence of this world. They then take the sand to some natural running water so that it can merge with the Earth.
Below is a speeded up version of how Monks created a completed Mandala and its only just over 2 mins long for your to watch. Fascinating.
Let the rest of your week be creative as you follow the flow of Life
~Blessings~ Sue ~Dreamwalker
May 31, 2015 @ 20:44:24
This is such valuable and informative and precious presentation which brings us to look into such incredible deeper!
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:07:21
Mino many thanks my friend for saying so.. Good to see you, for I know how busy you are..
Blessings to you and yours..
Sue x
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:11:06
Reblogged this on Sindy's Saturday Satsang and commented:
Ms. Sue Mandala – In – Retro
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:12:33
Aww… Thank you Sindy…….. 🙂 xxx
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:13:34
😀 My Great Honor Always Sister Sue ❤
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:14:12
❤
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:16:50
I saw the monks creating a Sand Mandala in LA at the Natural History Museum. It was amazing to witness and you could talk to them. When completed the sand was swept up and they put it in the Santa Monica Bay for healing ❤
I love what you did with Shree's mandala.
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:19:33
Thank you Sindy… that must have been a wonderful experience to get to see them working on one… A real lesson in letting Go.. all those hours of work in seconds brushed away… Showing the impermanence in all things x
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:01:32
A friend told me a story once about a summer pottery class she took. She says she has created this beautiful vase, or bowl, and when all their projects were complete, the instructor said, “Now smash them on the floor,” and meant it, and they did. She said it was a great lesson in attachment.
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:04:05
Yes… it is…. I have lot count of the paintings I gave away..A great lesson in attachment.. 🙂
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:18:03
Reblogged this on Fiesta Estrellas and commented:
Truly, if I can find a way to ‘step away’ slowly, and hurry back, I will!
I think a Mandala is kind of like a tree, too… Regardless: friendship 🙂 xoxo Ka.
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:21:25
It is……. All is Creation Ka… And thank you kindly for the reblog. xxx Love and Hugs Sue xxx
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:31:33
You are welcome, my friend 🙂 xo Ka
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:34:39
Beautiful retro revisit, Sue. Thank you. The colors and symbolism are exquisite and inspiring. And it’s such an amazing thing to see the monks creating the intricate designs and then, swoosh, sweeping it all away. Thanks for sharing it. Love, Jamie
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:36:10
I am pleased you enjoyed my choice Jamie.. 🙂 yes swoosh and all is gone.. Great lessons for ALL.. 🙂
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:38:27
This is incredibly beautiful Sue! A great visual delight and a masterclass on letting the universe flow through us and dissolve us ( the sand mandala)
Glad you joined the challenge. Ms. Sindy does not take no for an answer ( reminds me of me, lol!)
hugs, Linda
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May 31, 2015 @ 21:45:07
Yes Linda… Ms Sindy is very persuasive 🙂 lol… and she came to give me a nudge.. 😉 along … Pleased you enjoyed my choice.. and Happy to see you.. and thank you for your ‘Reply’ and will be responding shortly xxx Hugs ❤
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:07:17
The magic of drawing is in the strokes.
By strokes I mean the unique quality of the lines or other marks the artist makes.
Some lines jab while others meander.
Some markings are blurred while others are crisp.
The strokes convey in a tactile way the essence of how the artist comes to grips with the challenge of capturing an actual thing or manifesting an inner vision.
Making a drawing is a journey of explora-tion, and the marks are evidence of the journey.
When we look at a drawing, we can feel the energy that went into it in the part-icular lines and strokes.
http://rlbenoit.com/2014/06/18/magic/#comments
ensō (円相 , “circle”?) is a circle that is hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express a moment when the mind is free to let the body create.
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Jun 08, 2015 @ 19:46:25
Thank you for your comment Robert.
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:20:25
Very beautiful, Sue. Just loved it!
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:22:05
Thank you Paul… 🙂
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:23:20
Love it!!! Well done DW…Love the colors you chose. Don’t know when you have time to sleep with all you do. You are definitely flooded with creativity! Hope your garden is doing well along with all your other projects. So glad you are both enjoying and putting your freedom to good use:) Blessings and hugs..VK ❤
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May 31, 2015 @ 22:33:25
This particular one was done 2 yrs ago.. but this week I did manage to knit another little item for my Step Great-Granddaughter.. I hope to be sharing soon. 🙂 Good to see you about VK.. the garden is fine.. And I created a new blog where I am now sharing photo’s I will link to my next post.. xxx Hugs DW
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 02:18:51
Beautiful! Last winter I did some mandala embroidery…though I called it fractal threading! It was fun and exciting to see where I was led.
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 13:20:29
That sounds fascinating Suzie, did you post any pictures of what you did?
I remember in the 70’s pictures made from threads on nails that you wove around to make shapes which were all the rage.
I bought several kits to hang in my new home, they were circular and triangular shapes and stars. In glittery threads… I think they went to a jumble sale years ago.. 🙂
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 17:37:06
I did post some photos…if you search on the blog fir “fractal threading” the posts should come up.
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 20:03:41
Will make sure I search your blog using those terms. 🙂 xxx
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 04:56:12
Gorgeous sue! You painting was wonderful, loved the clip at the end and especially loved the whole idea. I might do a retrograde post as well!
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 06:34:22
Having watched Tibetan Monks construct 2 sand Mandalas to celebrate the year of Tibet with an exhibition of sacred art in Piccadilly, London which were then taken down to the Thames and tipped into the water, each grain of sand representing a blessing on London many years ago, my friend Steven has taken Mandala making to new heights and I can recommend a visit to: mandalamaker@hotmail.com.
Thanks for the memory Sue. Love, David
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 13:06:37
Thank you David.. I will enjoy following the link for more art on Mandala making.. thank you.. And it must have been a wonderful experience to see first hand such great works being made and then brushed away into the Thames.. Thank you for sharing that. x
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 11:00:54
Breathtaking – beauty and brilliant wonder, harmony in dancing colours./ THanks Sue 🙂
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 12:52:57
Thank you Ina, Harmony is what we try to aim for, and sending some peaceful vibes out your way also 🙂 Hugs ❤ Sue x
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 11:41:26
danke, liebe Sue, alles Gute, Klaus
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 12:51:16
Danke Klaus,
Wishing you a good week 🙂
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 15:36:22
vielen Dank
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 18:18:52
Your mandala is really beautiful Sue 😀 I like to paint mandalas, but have problems to find the time for this. Thank you for sharing 😉
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 20:00:36
I often wonder where the time comes from some days too :-)… This was the second Mandala I have done….. Many thanks for stopping by Irene.. I too know how busy you are with your jewellery .. Hugs Sue xx
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 21:10:24
Thank you Sue. At the moment I am sewing, but it change much 😉
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 19:32:43
Lot of info I didn’t know, though I have seen mandala’s before. Yours is lovely.
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:50:07
Thank you so much Elizabeth.. Glad some of this was new to you.. 🙂 Many thanks.. xxx
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 20:01:32
Very enlightening and fascinating. I can see all you described. An excellent piece to refurbish.
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:49:07
Thank you Kim.. I am grateful for you visit.. 🙂 love and Blessings, take care my friend, and have a blessed week full of energy xx
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Jun 01, 2015 @ 22:36:13
All that you share is so wonderfully beautiful! I see and feel the serene and tranquil rhythms that flow from within your heart to life. Thanks for sharing another gem, it is wonderfully informative, and so representative of your spirit my sister! Hugs, love and blessings always to always!
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:39:37
Wendell, I thank you also for your ‘Gem’ of a visit, and glowing words… I am happy you enjoyed.. Sending thoughts and Hugs your way my good friend.. take care and enjoy your week.. 🙂 Sue
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 11:35:38
wunderschön, liebe Sue, mache es gut, Klaus
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:40:49
Vielen, vielen Dank Klaus .. genießen Sie Ihre Woche. Umarmungen Sue
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 10:34:38
ich danke auch und wünsche alles Gute
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 13:55:44
This is wonderful… It must be such a powerful teaching to be able to create such amazing beauty only to let go of it and brush it away.
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:14:52
Yes I am always astounded at the patience and the teachings these Monks bring to us in showing how nothing is permanent Thank you my friend
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 15:19:04
Like child building castles in the we learn the universal truth nothing lasts,
Tan’s ice sculpture was a real lesson in not clinging. https://jacksjottings.wordpress.com/2014/11/05/creating-the-ice-dragon-sculpture/
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:32:05
Jack I remember that post all that effort then it just melts.. I will revisit your post though as I really enjoyed it.. And hope others reading here will also take a look at the Ice Dragon sculpture.. 🙂 _/\_
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 00:36:47
We are off to our art group this morning.
It is a nice sunny winters morning good for a bike ride to the art venue.
Hope you are enjoying a sunny summer day. _/\_
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 14:04:57
The Sun is out today Jack.. much better than the last couple of days of rain and cool Gales with gusts of 50mph.. Lots of broken branches on the roads this morning and green leaves that have blown in the wind.. But calmer today.. Enjoy your art creations.. 🙂 Sue
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 03:39:17
We did enjoy our art, we are so fortunate enjoying fresh but calm and sunny weather. I felt like riding my bike instead of going indoors to work out at the gym but I gave it a miss on Tuesday to go to Brisbane Pauline will probably do a post on that as it was a interesting day.
Green leaves that have blown in the wind, sounds like an old song.
Hope the weather stays nice for you and you can get out in the garden. _/\_
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 14:58:10
Brilliant Jack.. today is a sunny day, and I have been outside reading, sitting on the ground with bare feet, grounding.. I then had a lovely meditation.. 🙂 Sometimes we have to make the most of the good weather days.. I look forward to Paulines post.. _/\_ Sue
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 17:52:37
Beautiful Sue , you are always inspiring …thank you and hugs , love megxxx
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:30:33
Bless you Meg.. thank you, I appreciate you saying so 🙂 Love right on back.. ❤
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:37:10
I have books on mandalas, Sue. They fascinate me as did your post!!! Bless you for putting this informative post together for us to read. Thank you so much. Love, Amy ❤
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 19:52:40
And Bless you too Amy for taking time out of your busy day to read.. Always love having your comments here Amy.. Mega Hugs xxxx ❤ ❤ ❤
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Jun 02, 2015 @ 22:56:29
Beautiful Sue! I love how mandalas teach us non-attachment. Sending hugs🌸
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 13:50:00
Hi Lisa, thank you, yes we could all learn to learn more from this lesson the Monks give to us.. We are progressing though all be it slowly . Lovely to see your smiles here 🙂 Hugs Sue ❤
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 20:21:23
Right back at you sweet Sue!!!
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 02:16:39
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 12:17:45
herzliche Grüße, Klaus
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 13:26:42
The video with the monks is amazing
what a wonderful work Love that
wish u peace and happiness
and a tight huggy
Mj
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Jun 03, 2015 @ 14:21:41
Yes the Video is amazing.. wishing you well also MJ with Lots and LOTS of Love and Peace.. xxx
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 00:31:59
Beautiful, you are very gifted!
Thank you too, for the synchronicity and kick up the butt. My friend came over on Tuesday to run my access bars and I had an image come to mind that I said I would ‘try’ and draw. It reminded me of a medicine wheel or Mandala! 🙂
Blessings to you ❤ xx
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 14:59:25
Brilliant.. I love it when one thing leads and reminds us of another.. We are ALL after all interlinked.. 🙂 for we are ALL as ONE. 🙂
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 15:16:37
HO! 😊 xx
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 12:45:01
Loved the colours and the way you explained your choices for them. That video was very informative too. Had no idea of that tradition. What a huge lesson in letting go.
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Jun 04, 2015 @ 14:56:19
Yes it is a great lesson. We each live within the material world and so place so much upon attachment, and ownership.. To create something so painstakingly and pouring the love and patience into it.. each grain of sand so delicately placed.. To brush it all away is a testament to Letting Go… But when you think of it Nadira.. All things we think we ‘own’ are only on loan.. for we come into this world with nothing material and leave with nothing material.. All we take is what we have gathered within our hearts and memories in the love we have shared and given.. 🙂
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Jun 05, 2015 @ 10:56:14
Loved reading your post on the Creation of the Mandala and its meanings and lessons, reminded me of the Mandala I saw being created, over ten days non stop, and then being swept away in two minutes.
Strong lessons on the waste of energy in being attached to earthly material things.
Cheers Sue.
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Jun 06, 2015 @ 16:29:54
Yes we are all guilty of this one Ian.. yet this material plane is what we came to experience.. the trouble is we have become too attached to the material and not learnt the spiritual aspects which was part of our Earth lesson.. I have a strong feeling more material goods will have to be released before we can open our hearts more fully to the Spiritual realm of which the Monks clearly are trying to show us within these wonderful creative lessons of letting go.. ❤ Blessings Sue
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Jun 06, 2015 @ 01:23:47
This artwork is fantastic and mesmerizing. You are truly multi talented my friend. And oh, I knew something was off in the planets. Arg, mercury retrograde really upsets my apple cart. xo 🙂
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Jun 06, 2015 @ 17:03:03
Thank you Deb, I don’t often do abstract art, preferring to draw nature, animals etc.. but this Mandala was a cool project of Shree’s.. That I enjoyed doing at the time.. And it served perfectly to repost for the Retrograde challenge.. 🙂
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Jun 06, 2015 @ 22:37:50
I love your mandala, it’s so original.
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Jun 08, 2015 @ 19:56:14
Maria, thank you, I am happy you liked.. Sue xxx
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Jun 11, 2015 @ 01:03:39
Dearest Sue, what a beautiful post. I have been thinking a lot about Tibet recently, having been back in the UK for a while now. I feel that this ceremony is becoming more popular, I know the Dalai Lama likes to organise it whenever possible. Our links to the material need loosening for our beautiful potential to be realised and these monks highlight our abstract and absurd attachment to material stuff (although I do feel very close to my new pear tree!). Throw the grains into the river! Share it with all!!! These sand mandala ceremonies must seem absurd to many who view them, ‘What a wasted effort!’ But the real jewel of course is not the pretty picture, but the magic which created it! The real jewel is no effort, for no goal!!!! I love to ponder the profound intensity and awesome significance of doing nothing. A seemingly difficult state to achieve in the modern tumult of existence UK. Blessings as ever! Peace, Love and Light, lee
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Jun 12, 2015 @ 13:02:18
Lee, Yes you have hit the nail upon its head.. “The real jewel is no effort, for no goal!!!! “…… Yes.. the pleasure is in the moment of creation to just BE… I guess I have been having a few of my own Just BE moments of late.. as I took time out to relax.. Wonderful to see you here, And I hope to catch up with you shortly.. 🙂 Blessings Sue
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Jun 14, 2015 @ 10:37:30
I commissioned Mandala drawings during my time as a Mind Body Spirit editor and I remember thinking that there must be nothing nicer than to have a day and a blank canvas and paints and the time to fill it with a Mandala. I’ve never tried making one but I’m curious where the mind would take me. My favourite picture here is the Budhist monks creating their giant Mandala, such focus and freedom in the creative mind, it is incredible. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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