What is Mandala?
Mandala, (Sanskrit: “circle”) in Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism, a symbolic diagram used in the performance of sacred rites and as an instrument of meditation.
In common use, “mandala” has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe. [Source]
Some real life examples of a mandala:
Coming from India, the most common tradition that comes to mind is drawing rangoli and henna to bring colour to our celebrations.
Adult Coloring Books
Another form where Mandalas are gaining attention is in the form of adult coloring books. The books as a form of adult therapy have really gained popularity in 2010s.
BN’s Pick: That Crazy Doodler
We came across this very interesting facebook page while we were searching for some doodlers. The symmetry and uniqueness in the designs is what makes it all the way more special.
Girl behind the page
The face behind That crazy doodler is Vinita Varier who is an IT professional and enjoys making Mandalas.
“I have been drawing all my life but took to mandalas a few years ago as a form of relaxation. I enjoy doodling in general and adding symmetry to it was all the more fun. I am an IT professional and mom to a dog and a human, so usually draw when they sleep :)”, says Vinita.
You can also check her Insta at:
https://www.instagram.com/that_crazy_doodler/
Vinita was kind enough to share some of her mandalas in the form of free printable with BN which can be downloaded and colored as one likes!
We will be happy to see the colors and creativity in your mandalas, please tag @bestiesnotepad and @that_crazy_doodler if you upload 🙂
Just click on the file to download, print and color it on 🙂
BN recommended books for adult colouring:
Enjoy!
V|XOXO
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Oh they look amazing and very relaxing. We are about to embark on home education so will most likely give these a go if the boys are interested.
There is something really relaxing about mandala’s, I think they are perhaps one of the best things to colour to try and destress, for me at least.
Couldn’t agree more 😊
I have always been drawn to Mandalas and I am amazed at the talent of That Crazy Doodler. That watercolor was mesmerizing! I can’t wait to print them out and color. With my career path being highly stressful, I could use the relaxation of coloring these. One last note, I saw the episode of Tibetan sand art in House of Cards and would love to see that done in person. Hard to believe it is created then just taken away.
Thank you 😊
Please upload the picture and tag us if you can, we will be happy to see that 😊
Yeah! Tibetan sand art looked solo beautiful 😊
I absolutely love adult coloring books . . . I used to just keep coloring in my kid’s books but then other people caught on that grown-ups like coloring too! haha. My favorite one has mandala-like patterns on animals.
Those are beautiful. I put some of these types of pages in my girls’ lesson planners each year.
I bought an adult coloring book the last time I was down in my back. I was surprised how relaxing it was to color. I need to check out your choices next.
Wow amazing to learn more I have a couple adult coloring books and love them helps me relax and focus on just that and nothing else at that moment! Thank you for sharing
i love this stuff! I actually have it tattooed as a sleeve on my arm!
Coloring is so relaxing! As a teacher, I always enjoy it while making any samples for the classroom. Thank you for the suggestions!
This is so interesting! I loved reading about mandalas and I appreciate you sharing your cultuare. Also, I remember that house of cards episode!
Thank you so much!
I love these mandala prints! Coloring is so therapuetic for me after a long day.
I love colouring. It is such a relazing activity to do.
This is so neat! We adore mandalas. Coloring them is very therapeutic.
These are so gorgeous. I remember watching that scene in House of Cards and being amazed by all the colors.
Thank You Amber 😊
Great idea! I love coloring. It was one of my main hobby in childhood. I will surely try this book.
These look amazing, colouring is relaxing and being able to find something for adults is great.
Thank you 😊
Oh my, these look amazing! This is my kind of relaxing therapy, some adult coloring books.
This is such a great activity! I once bought a book that teaches you to make your own, love it!
That would make a great activity, can you share the link please. 😊
I love mandala coloring books. I have some but I need to do it more often!
I’ve always liked these drawings. It’s so nice to learn more about the background of Mandala, why it’s called that way and what it means. It’s such a lovely symbol.
Thank you so much 😊
OMG I love coloring the Mandelas. I have the Secret Gardens adult coloring book and I love it. Coloring is a great way to release stress.
That’s great, thank you 😊
Those are some amazing coloring pages. I really do like the adult coloring pages they came out with. They can be some ornate pictures to draw. And I hear it’s peaceful.
I never knew about: “Mandala.” This seems like a cool coloring book, it must be super relaxing. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. Glad you like it😊
Mandala art truly is beautiful! I need to get a coloring book of my own. It seems like a very relaxing activity.
I have always loved coloring! I have both crayons and colored pencils in my cupboards (along with adult — and some kids! — coloring books). It’s so relaxing to me! Love this post!
Thank you so much!
I need to get my hands on an adult coloring book. It sounds so therapeutic.
Sounds like an incredible book with fantastic artwork. It has got some beautiful designs. Coloring is relaxing for me. I’m considering trying it. Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome 😊
These mandalas are so lovely. We have an annual Diwali party, where we make rangolis.
These are GORGEOUS! Maybe THIS is what I need to calm down these days LOL I’ll try anything!
These help a lot, take out some Mandala time 🙂
Awesome. I have the Secret Garden coloring book. I colored only a few pages. It seems like I don’t have the patience for it, but I like looking at them.
Maybe you should try our printable then, easy and quick! 😊
I went through a phase where I was coloring in adult coloring books like mad (helped me get through my mother’s terminal cancer) I found it all so relaxing and easy. I haven’t picked up a book in a while, but this post is making me want to break out the colored pencils again!
Yes, they are great. Hope your mom is doing well now!
There is something really relaxing about colouring. I do love a good mandala patter as well I think I might just have to download this for myself to try.
My daughter has a stack of adult coloring books, mostly animals, but a few that are nothing but mandalas. I always snag those and color!
I would love to see a Tibetan sand mandela in person. But this has proven difficult since they always dismantle the artwork at the end.
That’s true. But coloring books are simple 🙂
I read about this and how relaxing it can be, I have never tried mandala colouring but it looks nice for anyone to try.
I was actually debating a while ago when I first saw the adult coloring books in my local bookstore if I should buy one or not. They sounds good but I am not sure I will ever have the patience to color them.
They happen to be a great stress buster. You should definitely give them a try.
This is so beautiful! I have seen this around lately but have never tried it myself.
I love mandalas, they were a form of art therapy when i was in recovery. i love to color, it was so much fun and a great way to unwind and relax.
I have this coloring book! I bought it when I was pregnant and it really helped mellow out a lot of the anxiety I was feeling.
Thank you for sharing! It’s so much fun to have coloring pages/books for adults. I have markers and a coloring book at my desk at work.
This is so interesting! I will try this book.
I have never heard of mandalas, new information for me, sounds like something I could enjoy. The whole idea of adult coloring is really relaxing and therapeutic..
Love adult cookbooks! They can be so relaxing and a great way to wind down.
I remember this mandala adult coloring book became a trend 2-years ago and it was addicting. I helps me to overcome stress 🙂
I love to color! Maybe even more than my daughters, it is very relaxing while you’re doing it and when its done and you look at your finish product you feel refreshed. I should print some of theses out, thanks for sharing! 🙂
I used to do mandala when i was a kid! it was keeping me so busy! love that they have adult book! coloring is so relaxing!