Stillness in the Sacred Circle: Meditating with an Om Mandala Thangka
Posted by ABISHEK SHRESTHA
In the quiet of a well-chosen space, the hum of the universe begins with a single sacred syllable: ॐ (Om / Aum). Paired with the intricate, concentric geometry of a mandala and the venerable scroll-format of a thangka, this becomes more than art - it becomes a gateway. The Om Mandala Thangka is such a gateway: a visual support for meditation. In this blog we’ll explore how you can use this painting as a meditative anchor - how to prepare, how to engage, and how to rest with it.
Step 1: Grounding and Breath
Begin by closing your eyes for 1-2 minutes and taking slow, deep breaths. Feel the connection of your body to the cushion or chair, become aware of your spine, and let the ambient sounds settle.
When you feel stable, open your eyes gently and let them rest on the painting not staring hard, but with soft focus. Notice the whole painting: the circle, the symbol “Om”, the colours, the outer border and the centre.
Step 2: Entering the Mandala
Now bring your gaze more consciously to the outer ring or boundary of the mandala. Observe the form, colour, pattern. Then slowly let your attention travel inward, square by square, circle by circle, moving toward the centre. In this way you mirror the symbolic journey: from the outer world toward the still point within.
As you do this, you might softly chant the sound Om, either silently or aloud. With each breath, allow the sound to resonate: “O…mmmmm…”
The vibration of “Om” helps you attune your body, speech and mind—with the symbol in front of you, and the sound within you.
Step 3: Resting at the Centre
When your gaze arrives at the very centre of the mandala (often the “seed” or symbolic heart of the painting), let your gaze soften. Perhaps you stop chanting and rest in silence. Let the symbol of “Om” settle in you.
In this space you may sense the quality of stillness, of unity, of that which underlies form. If thoughts arise, let them drift by—gently returning your attention to the painting, the breath, the sound.
Stay in this for as long as you feel ready—5 minutes, 10 minutes, or more.
Step 4: Closing the Session
When you feel complete, bring your attention back out: widen your gaze again to the full mandala and perhaps the room. Take a few deep breaths, stretch your body gently, and then close your eyes and reflect briefly on what you noticed: Did you feel tension release? Did your mind quiet? Did you sense any connection?
Offer gratitude either silently or aloud to the art, the tradition, and yourself for this time of practice. Then gently rise or continue onward with your day.
The Om Mandala Thangka is more than a beautiful painting, it’s a living invitation. It invites you to slow down, to step out of the swirl of thoughts and external distractions, and to rest in your own stillness. Through the concentric geometry of the mandala, the vibrational power of “Om”, and the reflective nature of the thangka format, you are offered a subtle yet profound support for meditation.
Click to check out our blog on how to use OM Mandala Thangka Painting For Meditation
