The mandala used to be a symbol for a certain number of people. Nowadays, it's an incredibly popular design for tattoos. It's gorgeous and has several meanings, with the added bonus of easily blending into another design or two. It’s also flexible in that it can be used in ways other than a tattoo; for example, it can be used in art galleries.

What Do Mandala Tattoos Mean?

Many people who get the tattoo believe that it symbolizes perfection, but this does not mean that they think that they are perfect, but rather that they wish to strive for perfection. Often, a person getting a mandala tattoo may do so for one reason, then later discover that it also symbolizes another idea put forth by experts.

Spiritual, circular art has been used in almost every religion throughout the world, and mandalas are a form of that art. Mandalas are great for people who take part in spiritual quests in their daily lives.

One of the most common mandala designs is the “rose window” design, which can be seen on many churches’ stained glass windows. This design can also be an attractive tattoo regardless of whether it has any religious significance. 

While the glassy look of the design itself is what keeps it appealing to many, it's an attractive tattoo for multiple reasons. This applies no matter where the tattoo is placed on the body: back, arm, nape, etc.

The Mandala Tattoo Has Many Variations

When you see a mandala, you will notice that they don't really look the same. The mandala is a representation of wholeness, which means that it is completed by all of its parts. The mandala’s design can vary depending on the different parts that make it up, and each part has a different function and meaning in Buddhism.

Read on to learn about some of the most popular mandala tattoos out there:

THE MANDALA TATTOO: Bell

The shape of a bell is seen in the mandala tattoo and represents an enlightened state of being in which the mind is blank to allow clarity and wisdom to enter. 

THE MANDALA TATTOO: Lotus

The lotus flower is another popular design option for the Srivatsa mandala, which is a circle with a marking in the center of it. The lotus flower represents balance in life, as the petals are all perfectly symmetrical. The lotus also sits on top of a muddy pond, yet it is rooted in the mud and muck. The flower demonstrates how beautiful things can spring from darkness.

THE MANDALA TATTOO: Wheel with Eight Spokes

The circular shape of the mandala is a perfect fit for the idea of the mandala, which is symbolically tied to the perfection of a universe. The Eightfold Path of Buddhism requires a person to walk down a path that is perfectly circular in order to reach enlightenment. This path consists of eight actions and thoughts that lead a person on the right path and to their ultimate goal.

Conclusion

Back in the day, the mandala had a sense of exclusivity as a symbol for certain people. Today, it's a widely popular option for tattoos. Some of the most popular designs include the bell, the lotus and the wheel with eight spokes.

Looking for geometric tattoo artists in Denver? Book a session at Certified Tattoo today! We’ve got three locations in Colorado and we’re still growing.