Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing

The mandala (Sanskrit for circle), a sacred form in Navajo and Tibetan Buddhist ritual practice is, for cancer survivor Cornell, the embodiment and focal point of the healing power of light and energy. Billing her approach as a ``convergence of Eastern and Western thought,'' Cornell, artist, seasoned workshop leader and founder/director of Manifesting Inner Light of Sausalito, Calif., provides a series of step-by-step exercises for healing through the creation of, and meditations upon, mandalas. This ``convergence'' comprises free, largely decontextualized borrowing from some non-Judeo-Christian religious traditions as well as ideas inspired by quantum physics, coupled with usually banal criticisms of Western paradigms and, conversely, a facile glorification of Eastern thought. The result will appeal to those who are beginning to dabble in alternative spiritual practice and/or those seeking to intensify internal experiences through a tactile and intuitive, rather than an intellectual, approach. Over 300 photographs and illustrations. (Dec.)