Customer Reviews

Mandala: Journey to the Center (Whole Way Library)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Hermitage of New Glastonbury was lucky enough to be given this book for the library. It's great. The author surveys the use of mandalas through history and by cultures around the globe. Reading the book is like taking a journey not only around the world but into the soul. Each page is rich with color photographs and artwork that not only illustrate the text but also give ideas for creating mandalas of your own. In fact the author includes instruction on mandala construction with suggested tools and materials. The author's emphasis on the common artistic and spiritual ground of humanity is a welcome message, especially at this time. The book is clearly worth the price - both for the great illustrations and for the wisdom of experience shared by the author.

Unlike most who will ever know the wonder of holding Mandala: Journey to the Center, I was drawn into the work via its text, when first-time author Bailey Cunningham asked for some writing feedback. Following Bailey's progress from the outlining stage through drafts and revisions, I experienced an ever deepening and widening sense of wonder and delight in the world we share. This is a world in tension with itself, spinning and weaving harmony from the interplay of opposing elements: the world inside myself, mirroring the world outside; the world outside myself, showing myself to me. A world of visible symbols, ringing with invisible truths; a world where facts point to something beyond themselves, and where a simple change in perspective decides what is center and what is perimeter. A world where "spirituality" and "practicality" know no dividing line.

Unlike most who return to the pages of the book again and again, finding something new each and every time, the photographs and illustrations were unseen by me until I'd read the complete text - but, oh, what happened then! From a womb of words, the book had come into full life with a body dancing with mind-blowing colors and forms.

I regret the "Look Inside" offered on this page cannot reveal the true colors, sharpness and vibrancy of the images (more than 400 of them!) contained within. I would buy this book for the images alone; they are nothing short of magnificent. (Mandala: Journey to the Center is perfect for gift-giving for this very reason.)

The beauty of the book is magnified by its practical application, however, and I highly recommend this work to educators. The mandala is an excellent tool for integrated studies, and because students can see how otherwise "dry" elements combine to make a meaningful whole, mathematics, physical and social sciences, and even language arts spring to life in the classroom, encouraging learning of these topics simultaneously with furthering understanding of self in relationship to the work at hand.

If there is a definitive book on the mandala, Mandala: Journey to the Center is it. I give it my highest recommendation.

Bailey Cunningham's MANDALA Journey to the Center was for me a journey of discovery of the spiritual dimension that can be found in forms and color. In this beautifully illustrated book, the author presents a myriad of mandalas and the many forms in which they are found. Some are absolutely breathtaking. She then shows us how we can create our own-and why we might. Although I meant to browse the book casually, I actually read it cover to cover in one sitting. I recommend MANDALA Journey to the Center to artists and non-artists alike for the way in which it can touch the artist that is deep within us all.

it's the best modern book on mandalas I have come across and I have read them all.
beautifully produced and balanced content
it hums

Great visuals! Comprehensive, mainstream and provocative. As an international mandala teacher myself, this is THE book I recommend to students. You will find yourself turning back to Bailey Cunningham's book again and again, for inspiration, art ideas and on-going knowledge about the way mandalas shape our human experience. Worth every penny...this book makes an wonderful gift too.

After reading Journey to The Center, I understood for the first time how connected we are with one another, that every living thing, the great trees, the smallest creature, or infinitesimal insect is part of the intricate sacred art of our universe.

The book is imbued with lush Mandala art from a variety of people world wide, in addition to magnificent photography and even a design to show you how to make your own personal Mandala. Great fun!

I had the pleasure of attending one of Ms. Cunningham's Mandala workshops and her book is an extension of her joy of life and ability to give others a kick-start in understanding our spiritual link to the universe.

This is a treasure trove of mandalas from both the natural world and the mind's eye of talented artists. I was fascinated by the history of mandalas and the creativity in the richly illustrated mandalas that the book contains -- true eye candy for the mind! This book worked for me on many levels: historical, natural, intellectual and spiritual. It is as masterfully written as it is illustrated. Thank you Bailey Cunningham and DK Publishing for this best book on mandalas!

What a delight. I'm so glad I found it - or "it" found me. I have been doing this type of drawing for a number of years, and I have also used it in my classroom. The results with children were phenomenal. Those who participated increased their success levels exponentially. This book would have been wonderful for them to see the beauty that is possible in such a drawing. We used the website listed, but the book would have been great for them to have an actual hands on experience. Wow.

This book is most beautiful for its lush photos illustrating mandalas around the world, although it is more of a compendium and survey rather than one that goes in depth to the sources for mandala creation. However, I am commenting here more concerning the prices listed here on Amazon for this book. I question why it is being listed for $39.95 to $90 when I paid just $15.00 list price for it a short while back? It is STILL available online at various sources for $13-15!!! Try: [...]. These Amazon prices here are ridiculous. Book buyers beware.

This book is a wonderful expression of the truths of mandala. Highly recommend.