Community Building in the Classroom and World Peace

Mandalas are used by Buddhist monks as a sacred ritual.  My friend and artist,Russell Maier is using mandalas to promote world peace and "oneness." The circle and symmetry can unify a group when created collaboratively.I used a mandala  activity as I was inspired by Russel.  

Creating a class mandala for a community building activity is easy  and fun to do. It can be done in a face-to-face or online environment.  Here is how to create a mandala with your online class or group:

1. Ask individuals to choose and share a geometric shape (PowerPoint is easy for this)

1. Collect these using Google Docs or via email

1. Arrange the shapes in a circle, using symmetry-try using Snagit or snippet

1. Save as Jpeg

1. Share with the class!

The mandala above is an example of a mandala that my students and I created as a group.  My students were so excited they had printed t-shirts!

Enjoy and Namaste!

This topic originally posted (by me) this on the Innovators' Network, aka IL Blog: http://innovationslab.wordpress.com/2011/02/12/mandala-love-circles-back/