The Mandala Book: Patterns of the Universe

by Lori Bailey Cunningham

The Mandala Book is a visual symphony, filled with 500 stunning mandalic images from nature and civilization.
Drawing from history, science, religion, and art, Lori Bailey Cunningham leads a journey that spans from prehistoric petroglyphs to Carl Jung, from tiny particles of matter to entire galaxies. She explains the concepts of mandalas, showing how they are at the root of life itself. 

Genres: Art, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Science, Psychology, Photography, Crafts

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2010

Reviews

[Anne Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I expected this to be a book containing reproductions of mandala with, perhaps, some discussion of the development & use of mandalas in various cultures. Instead, it is a series of photographs, mostly of natural items, grouped by various geometric shapes. The accompanying text reads like someone wrote a 7th grade project paper & then decided to lengthen it into a book. Absolute drivel. Lots of words about nothing. Yet, there is some gorgeous photography in the book which is enjoyable to look at. 5 stars for the photo collection, 3 for the lame grouping to make a photo book, and -6 for trying to add text in a pseudo-scientific metaphysical new-agey way. I should have put the book down when I read this in the intro: "This book is about me and you and everything in between. It's about what we're made of, what we experience, and it hints at things that defy our imagination. It's also about shapes and how they describe a very important part of what we are: connected elements evolving from, and revolving around a unifying center -- the mandala. Recognition of patterns and shapes can profoundly affect how we see ourselves in relation to each other and the world in which we live, to embrace ideas that unite us, not divide us. In observing connections, we can establish associations that lead to kinship and the possibility of peace." Ugh. Sorry, but I didn't feel more in love with the world and its people after reading this, nor do I feel that we should send copies to warring factions around the globe. Tough words from someone who finds awe and wonder in the natural world on a daily basis.

[Jonele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of great pictures, but it seemed the author spent too much time to be mystical and philosophical. I did get a better idea of seeing patterns in nature that I had not noticed before and the mathematics were interesting. It was just kind of a weird blend that didn't work for me.

[Samantha McGuire (Mirror Bridge Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a grest mind expanding book that shows the mandala form and other shapes that show up in nature. It also includes tons of Full page color photos which are absolutely beautiful to look at as you read. Great book!!

[Luaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for mandala inspiration this is a book that will accomplish that. It gives you a wide range of nature and other inspirations with beautiful photos, and information about each item.

[T. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for art inspiration especially if you admire nature + brief introduction to geometry and sacred geometry. The pictures in 'The mandala book' and the math-geometry analysis from 'A beginner's guide to constructing the universe' when combined can be perceived as a 'whole', a 'complete' pleasure to the eye, mind and soul especially in search of perfection and patterns in nature's chaos.

[Kat Vermillion · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of this book was written at the level of a Waldorf 8th grade project, however I found the organizational structure interesting. The author introduced mathematical formulas and proceeded to group the mandalas according to formula to which they belonged.

While lacking in written content, the mandala images themselves were plentiful and allowed for abundant yantra mediation, which was my goal in the first place.

[Brenda Sedgwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave this book to my daughter who is into yoga. She enjoyed it. Mandalas was a new word to me. Now I know.

[Liu Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am into system thinking, this book has provided me with a lot of key insights inspired by nature and philosophy. IT is a book I would keep on my bookshelf for daily dose of inspiration.

[Elizabeth Cárdenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book. Lots of inspiration for my paintings and afghan-making crochet projects. Just what I had been looking for.

[MKF]

DNF

[Savannah Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Wonderful compilation of archetypes and symbols found in nature.

[Ceanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of beautiful pictures of mandalas that can be found in nature. I loved the imagery and the history found in this book.

I will definately be buying this book for my libary!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

love, love this book.

[Alianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really makes you see patterns everywhere - nature, architecture, art, etc. The photography is beautiful.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book!And a fun read if you want to learn a little about sacred geometry.

[HadiDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs. A wonderful source book.

[Kelly Augir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous photography and intriguing to read to make connections between art, math, science, natural world, and spirit.

[Alyssabenner · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty pictures. Didn't get much else out of it. Was for my archetypes class.

[Samantha McGuire The Writers Web Archive · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of vibrant colorful photos of the mandala form in nature and the universe. it is a very interesting and beautiful read and would be a great addition to any library!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful images, with mixture of math and philosophy. Loved it.