Filipino Mandalas
My mandala design kick started a several years ago partly due to my Buddhist practice, partly because they’re dope. Geeking out and creating versions has been in my repertoire for a minute but I haven’t shared them on social media until now. I’ve done variations of tattoo mandalas with a Filipino twist over the years (there’s one on Carlo in the gallery) but I’ve decided to break down the meaning of what I dub Filipino Mandala here.
A Filipino mandala is typically a geometric design that incorporates traditional Filipino cultural elements and symbols. While the term "mandala" is originally a Sanskrit word meaning "circle" and is associated with Hindu and Buddhist spiritual practices, Filipino mandalas adapt this concept to reflect indigenous and cultural motifs of the Philippines. A Filipino mandala holds symbolic meaning in spiritual and ritual traditions, representing the universe and used as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth.
Mandalas were created in the service of one of the world's great religions, Buddhism. They were produced in Tibet, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, and Indonesia and date from the 4th century to present. Now they are created throughout the world, including the City of Long Beach.
These designs might include:
1. Indigenous Patterns: Influences from indigenous groups such as the T'boli, Ifugao, and others, often featuring intricate patterns and symbolic motifs.
2. Nature Elements: Depictions of elements like the sun, stars, mountains, and animals, which are significant in Filipino folklore and mythology.
3. Cultural Symbols: Iconography related to Filipino heritage, such as the bahay kubo (traditional house), jeepney, and agricultural symbols like rice fields.
4. Historical Influences: Integration of pre-colonial scripts such as Baybayin, as well as symbols reflecting Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences throughout Philippine history.
My Filipino mandalas can be used for various purposes, including meditation, spiritual growth, artistic expression, and celebration of cultural identity. They are a fusion of traditional Filipino aesthetics with the spiritual and meditative aspects of the mandala tradition.
