Sacred Circle: Symbol of Wholeness in Traditional Persian Art and Architecture

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Jung wrote extensively about the archetypal mandala symbol as an expression in many cultures of the centrality and nature of the interplay between human consciousness and divine consciousness.

“Jung wrote extensively about the archetypal mandala symbol as an expression in many cultures of the centrality and nature of the interplay between human consciousness and divine consciousness.”

• cites JungNot matched

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The mandala symbol can be found in most cultural contexts.

“Jung notes that the mandala symbol can be found in most cultural contexts.”

• cites JungNot matched

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The term mandala is often translated as sacred circle, which is frequently seen in Vedic, Jain and Buddhist iconography and is usually tied to spirituality practices.

“The term is often translated as “sacred circle” which is frequently seen in Vedic, Jain and Buddhist iconography and is usually tied to spirituality practices.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

These architectural renderings use geometric patterns to lift the worshipper towards a sacred geometry where change takes place.

“These architectural renderings use geometric patterns to lift the worshipper towards a”

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This way the architect evokes in the worshipper a sense of the celestial in a physical and tangible form.

“This way the architect evokes in the worshipper a sense of the celestial in a physical and tangible form.”

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Carpets feature lotus flowers organized into mandalas.

“Carpets feature lotus flowers organized into mandalas.”

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As Donald Harms noted, Jung cited Plotinus as saying that the soul circles around the centre but does not go into the centre as it circumambulates.

“As Donald Harms (2011) noted, Jung cited Plotinus as saying that the soul circles around the centre but does not go into the centre as it”

• cites Harms, 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

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The universality of the mandala as a symbol of change probably springs from the mathematical fact that it is possible to convert a square into a circle by increasing the number of dimensions from a pentagonal shape to a hexagonal shape and eventually into a circle then reaching to the centre.

“The universality of the mandala as a symbol of change probably springs from the mathematical fact that it is possible to convert a square into a circle by increasing the number of dimensions from a pentagonal shape to a hexagonal shape and, then, eventually into a circle then reaching to the centre.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A mandala is a circle that is often used to signify the primordial unity between the heavens and the earth.

“A mandala is a circle that is often used to signify the primordial unity between the heavens and the earth.”

• cites JungNot matched

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The well-known dervishes of many Sufi orders focus on the need to move through circles toward a centre point of Inner Light and spiritual awareness.

“The well-known “dervishes” of many Sufi orders focus on the need to move through circles toward a centre point of Inner Light and spiritual awareness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In the Zen Buddhist tradition there are frequently artistic renderings of circles to show a progression towards a sense of inner completion and wholeness.

“In the Zen Buddhist tradition there are frequently artistic renderings of circles to show a progression towards a sense of inner completion and wholeness or what can be seen as a “progressive harmonization of the spirit” (Chevalier & Gheerbrant, 1996).”

• cites Chevalier & Gheerbrant, 1996Not matched

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

All geometric patterns, but especially the mandala, have been used across the ages in symbolic ways and have been given multiple meanings.

“All geometric patterns, but especially the mandala, have been used across the ages in symbolic ways and have been given multiple meanings.”

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Jung thought that the use of the mandala was of benefit as it offers a reminder of the divine in physical form.

“Jung thought that the use of the mandala was of benefit as it offers a reminder of the divine in physical form.”

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The mandala became for Jung the most revered image of the self.

“The mandala became for Jung the most revered image of the self (Stein, 2017).”

• cites Stein, 2017 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

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When a visitor faces the huge mandala artworks in such shrines, they are often fascinated by the intricate patterns and symbols, which draw them into a meditative state of contemplation and self-reflection.

“When the visitor of such shrines faces these huge mandala artworks, they are often fascinated by the intricate patterns and symbols, which draw them into a meditative state of contemplation and self-reflection.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

For Jung, the mandala evokes the philosophical and psychological development that he described on the theory of the self and humanity's relationship with the divine.

“For Jung, the mandala evokes the philosophical and psychological development that he described on the theory of the self and humanity's relationship with the divine.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In Persia, the Sufi tradition is often expressed through dance as well as in architectural and representational ways.

“In Persia, the Sufi tradition is often expressed through dance as well as in architectural and representational ways.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

In this way, architecture becomes a vehicle to express to the worshipper that order can be found in the midst of disorder and that eternal ideas can be expressed with symbolic forms that enhance symbolic rituals.

“In this way, architecture becomes a vehicle to express to the worshipper that order can be found in the midst of disorder and that eternal ideas can be expressed with symbolic forms that enhance symbolic rituals.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In the Persian religion of Mithraism there are frequent representations of mandalas which connect the symbol of the Sun with the god Mithra.

“In the Persian religion of Mithraism there are frequent representations of the mandalas which connect the symbol of the Sun with the god Mithra, who offers food and protection to those who worship his divine covenant.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Religious or devotional structures often have elaborate tilings and carvings where the mandala symbol is repeated as a form of ritual prayer.

“These structures often have elaborate tilings and carvings where the mandala symbol is repeated as a form of ritual prayer.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

All of these elements, visual and literal, serve the same task-to empower heart, soul and spirit to live in this physical world.

“All of these elements, visual and literal, serve the same task-to empower heart, soul and spirit to live in this physical world.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

In our spiritual endeavours, sacred pathways serve as conduits between humanity and the divine realm, providing assistance and guidance.

“In our spiritual endeavours, sacred pathways serve as conduits between humanity and the divine realm, providing assistance and guidance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In these depictions, circles usually become progressively deeper and gradually more closed and narrow until they finally arrive at the centre or middle point.

“In these depictions, circles usually become progressively deeper and gradually more closed and narrow until they finally arrive at the centre or middle point.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Humans, representing the epitome of creation, embark on an ascending journey through the arched ladder of evolution, and by traversing stages and levels of conduct, ultimately reach the realm of righteousness, completing the second half of the circular path.

“Subsequently, humans, who represent the epitome of creation, embark on an ascending journey through the arched ladder of evolution.By traversing various stages and levels of conduct, they ultimately reach the realm of righteousness, marking the completion of the second half of the circular path (Bidabadi, 2007).”

• cites Bidabadi, 2007Not matched

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May combine two claims.

Zoroastrian tradition mandates placing deceased bodies into circular open areas called Dakhma or typically atop mountains.

“Zoroastrian tradition mandates to place deceased bodies into circular open areas by the name of “Dakhma” (photo 5) or typically atop mountains (Ahmadi & Mehrafarin, 2020).”

• cites Ahmadi & Mehrafarin, 2020Not matched

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Mithra, the divinity of light, makes a covenant with humanity that is symbolized by the circumference of the Sun.

“Mithra-the divinity of light (yazata)-makes a covenant with humanity that is symbolized by the circumference of the Sun.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The symbols used to represent Farr in ancient Iranian sites are combined in a mandala, as depicted in photo 1.

“These symbols are combined in a mandala, as depicted in photo 1.”

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Mandalas are symbols of the cosmic elements and are used as models for certain visualizations, as aids to self-discovery, or as aids for meditation on the transcendental.

“Mandalas are explained as symbols of the cosmic elements.They are used as models for certain visualizations, as aids to self-discovery, or as aids for meditation on the transcendental” (Brauen, 1998, p. 11).”

• cites Brauen, 1998Not matched

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Since ancient times, concentric circles have been used in Persian religious art to symbolize the power of the heavenly skies-filled with spiritual forces-in relation to the flat and square realities of the physical earth.

“Since ancient times, concentric circles have been used in Persian religious art to symbolize the power of the heavenly skies-filled with spiritual forces-in relation to the flat and square realities of the physical earth.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

Those who encounter mandalas in sacred spaces in Persia, ancient and modern, are being invited into pathways of wholeness and completion.

“Those who encounter mandalas in sacred spaces in Persia, ancient and modern, are being invited into pathways of wholeness and completion.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The journey of individuation is a path to self realization that is often associated with suffering.

“The journey of individuation is a path to self realization that is often associated with suffering.”

• cites JungNot matched

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The Faravahar symbol is usually presented as two circles or rings where the middle circle draws the viewer's attention to the ring on the left hand of the devotee.

“The Faravahar symbol is usually presented as two circles (or rings) where the middle circle draws the attention of the viewer to the ring that is on the left hand of the devotee.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

This image helps the viewer to visually experience the self archetype and to reach a heightened state of enlightened awareness.

“This image helps the viewer to visually experience the self archetype and to reach a heightened state of enlightened awareness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Hafez frequently employed the allegory of the circle.

“As an example, the renowned Persian poet Hafez frequently employed the allegory of the circle.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The mandala presents an image of balance and invites the observer to see a larger narrative of wholeness and completion.

“The mandala presents an image of balance and invites the observer to see in the swirls and fragments of existence a larger, grander narrative of wholeness and completion.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Seekers of God need not be afraid of the chaos or uncertainties of life because they can be assured that a divine process is in place that will help them reach their spiritual aspirations.

“Seekers of God need not be afraid of the chaos or the uncertainties of life because they can be assured that a divine process is in place that will help them reach their spiritual aspirations (Atooni, 2010).”

• cites Atooni, 2010Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Persian architects and poets long before Jung also used the mandala to serve as a pathway between the seen and the unseen world, which Jung later conceptualized as the conscious world and the collective unconscious.

“Persian architects and poets long before Jung also used the mandala to serve as a pathway between the seen and the unseen world, which Jung later conceptualized as the conscious world and the collective unconscious.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

In ancient Persia, the Zoroastrian tradition often displayed representations of mandala symbols when referring to divine glory (Farr-e-Izadi).

“In ancient Persia, the Zoroastrian tradition often displayed representations of mandala symbols when referring to “divine glory” (Farr-e-Izadi) where the divine presence of God confirms its glory through a heavenly light that permeates human darkness (photo 1).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The winged sun disk relates to the wise old man who offers two rings that help in the search for the path towards individuation and wholeness.

“The winged sun disk relates to the wise old man who offers two rings that help in the search for the path towards individuation and wholeness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

This circular movement signifies that the Supreme Being undergoes a downward manifestation into matter and human existence, completing half of the circle of perfection.

“This circular movement signifies that the Supreme Being undergoes a downward manifestation into matter and human existence, completing half of the circle of perfection.”

• cites Bidabadi, 2007Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Jung remarks that the mandala would express the Deity through its threefold rhythm and the soul through its static quaternity, and its innermost meaning would simply be the union of the soul with God.

“If we hark back to the old Pythagorean idea that the soul is a square, then the mandala would express the Deity through its threefold rhythm and the soul through its static quaternity, the circle divided into four colours.And thus its innermost meaning would simply be the union of the soul with God.(Jung, 1969(Jung, /1973, para. 124) , para. 124)”

• cites Jung, 1969/1973Not matched

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The winged circle called the Faravahar or Farre Vashi is meant to represent the presence of the divine.

“This winged circle (called the Faravahar or Farre Vashi) is meant to represent the presence of the divine (photo 4).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

For Jung a mandala can represent a pathway into self-understanding and self-awareness.

“For Jung a mandala can represent a pathway into self-understanding and self-awareness.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The universe is believed to operate based on an evolutionary and circular process that originates from the Divine and culminates in the Divine.

“The universe is believed to operate based on an evolutionary and circular process that originates from the Divine and culminates in the Divine.”

• cites Bidabadi, 2007Not matched

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Joseph Campbell explained that mandalas are a mask of God through which eternity is to be experienced.

“Joseph Campbell explained this function of a mandala in an interview with Bill Moyers when he said that they were”

• cites [1988]Not matched

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There is frequent use of mandala symbols in architecture that serve religious or devotional purposes.

“Of particular note is the frequent use of mandala symbols in architecture that serve religious or devotional purposes.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

It communicates that in order to reach unity and oneness with God each individual has to move ever closer to the centre in a gradual path.

“It communicates that in order to reach unity and oneness with God each individual has to move ever closer to the centre in a gradual path.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The Sheikh Lotfollah mosque is a prime example of a mandala in Persian mosque architecture, seen as a repository of traditional wisdom and aesthetic advancement.

“A prime example of a mandala in Persian mosque architecture would be the Sheikh Lotfollah mosque which is seen as a repository of traditional wisdom and aesthetic advancement (photo 6).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

After the advent of the Islamic faith in Persia, circular shapes and mandalas began appearing in mosques and various religious buildings and in religious art from that era.

“After the advent of the Islamic faith in Persia, circular shapes and mandalas began appearing in mosques and various religious buildings and in religious art from that era.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

These pathways facilitate the connection and interaction between individuals and the transcendent aspects of existence.

“These pathways facilitate the connection and interaction between individuals and the transcendent aspects of existence.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Jung believed that interacting with a mandala provides a useful resource in our search for spiritual experiences.

“Jung believed that interacting with a mandala provides a useful resource in our search for spiritual experiences.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

For both Persian mystics and Jung the mandala symbol exemplifies the interface between our unconscious longings for spiritual transformation and our tangible, physical efforts.

“For both Persian mystics and Jung the mandala symbol exemplifies the interface between our unconscious longings for spiritual transformation and our tangible, physical efforts.”

May combine two claims.

The circle holds a prominent role not only in Persian architecture and various art forms but also in Persian literature.

“The circle holds a prominent role not only in Persian architecture and various art forms but also in Persian literature.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Sometimes Persian gardens were designed as mandalas.

“Sometimes Persian gardens were designed as mandalas.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The high regard for geometric patterns in Persian architecture and in the imagery of Persian mystical writers often favours the mandala image.

“The high regard for geometric patterns in Persian architecture and in the imagery of Persian mystical writers often favours the mandala image.”

May combine two claims.

Images of mandalas can be seen throughout Persian culture and religion, in architectural components such as the domes of sacred shrines, and in representational artwork in Persian pottery and carpet design.

“In this way, one can see images of mandalas throughout Persian culture and religion, in architectural components such as the domes of sacred shrines, and in the representational artwork which utilizes the symbol in Persian pottery and carpet design.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Persian mosques are often graced with variants of a mandala in the artistry of the ceilings, as are stained-glass designs of some wealthy Persian homes.

“Noticeably, Persian mosques are often graced with variants of a mandala in the artistry of the ceilings; likewise, stained-glass designs of some wealthy Persian homes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

In the construction of Persian Zoroastrian temples and even in Persian Muslim mosques and earlier in Persian Christian churches, the symbol of the mandala connotes the way of a journey from the square to the circle.

“In the construction of Persian Zoroastrian temples and even in Persian Muslim mosques and earlier in Persian Christian churches, the symbol of the mandala connotes the way of a”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The process of individuation is a progressive unfolding of an inner journey in the same way that an artist creates and conceives a mandala.

“The process of individuation is a progressive unfolding of an inner journey in the same way that an artist creates and conceives a mandala.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A visit to the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque offers a captivating display of mandalas adorning the walls and columns of the edifice.

“A visit to the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque offers a captivating display of mandalas adorning the walls and columns of the edifice.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The symbol of the mandala served as a tool because a practitioner could enter into the design and trace their way into the centre of the design, which symbolized the inner core or heart of their transformational quest.

“The symbol of the mandala served as a tool because a practitioner could “enter into” the design and trace their way into the centre of the design which symbolized the inner core or heart of their transformational quest.”

• cites JungNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.