Shiva Lingam Mandala (Likhita Japa)

This mandala is dedicated to Guruji
Summer Camp 2010


Click on the image to view enlarged.

This mandala was created with likhita japa of "ऊँ नमः शिवाय" (OM namah Shivaaya.) Lightly trace the inner and outer circles with a pencil and bowl (or circle templates) . Once you are satisfied with the proportions, begin the likhita japa session with your writing pens. All pencil lines should be gently erased after the ink has thoroughly dried. The Shiva Lingam was painted (with gouache) in the center as a point of reflection after the japa session was completed.

Materials
• Good quality writing pens with different nib sizes
• Good quality Bristol paper (smooth vellum surface)
• Pencil
• Graphic eraser
• Gouache paints
• Paint brushes
• Gold metallic calligraphy pen/ink

OM Likhita Japa

Click on image to view enlarged

This likhita japa was created from doodling patterns (see previous posting in May archive.) The entire mandala was designed with variations on OM.

Materials Needed:
• A smooth surface paper
• Pens of different sizes
• Bowls (or compass) for tracing circle outline
• Pencil
• Quality graphic eraser

Lightly sketch the outline design with a pencil — your details will emerge from the japa. Do not sketch the writing in ... that should be performed in ink when you begin your session. Gently erase all pencil lines only when you are completely finished with the likhita.

Experiment with color, too!