what is a mandala?

		The word “Mandala” originated from the classical Indian cultural language of Sanskrit and simply means “circle”. These magic circles are often used in meditation and symbolize many things, including: our center & wholeness of self, the universe & its spiraling energies and our connection to the community. Mathematically, the circle is defined by its center; it exists solely because of it, however this center does not have to be visible. Thus the circle becomes a symbol for one, the origin, the mysterious, and the metaphysical. Our life gains its inner form through the center point around which it turns. Therefore, each way of looking for the center of life, for the real goal of life is in fact a search for our own personal center. It is the search for the lost paradise, the closed garden that holds everything, a place in which we are perfectly happy and in which all our needs are satisfied. An important feature of each Mandala is the outer border so to speak, the wall around the closed garden. Our life often suffers from the anxiety of unclear borders. Constantly increasing media and communication present us with more and more information. The Mandala provides a salutary limitation for our often overwhelming information age lives. The representation of the circle also marks the beginning of human culture. One of the oldest Mandalas is the sun disk, the model of all circular figures, giver of life. Often the typical western form of the Mandala is the labyrinth - or winding paths leading to one's center. Mandalas also play an important role for contemplation in Buddhism. The Tibetan monks are famous for the large sand Mandalas, which after weeks of work are destroyed to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. Psychoanalytical thinker, CG Jung, believed strongly in the therapy of painting and coloring Mandalas to express ourselves and finding security in a center rather than becoming lost on the path of existence.

		the mandala tearoom concept The Mandala Tearoom is an urban tea lounge and organic vegetarian kitchen set in a contemporary fine art gallery in the arts district of old town Scottsdale. Emerging from the shadow of the coffee market, tea is enjoying newfound popularity among those who are embracing healthier or more interesting alternatives to espresso and coffee beverages. Offering a wide selection of gourmet loose leaf specialty teas and unique retail merchandise, Mandala Tearoom provides its customers with the greatest variety of organic and biodynamic teas and herbal infusions. In addition to the 43+ teas, we offer an exclusive selection of medicinal quality botanical elixirs formulated by a local herbalist Kita Centella. Delicious whole food items, including vegan baked goods and flavorful vegetarian dishes such as locally grown organic vegetables of the season, grains, legumes, nourishing soups and salads, etc. entice customers and satisfy appetites. The cuisine, classified as “world vegan fusion” – is an array of plant based dishes inspired by different regions from around the globe. The tearoom as a member of the Slow Foods Movement encourages a relaxing dining experience yet allows a take out option for families seeking a healthy in home meal. The décor is an art gallery setting displaying the contemporary fine art work of resident artist, Rhea Ashcraft. The space is designed with inviting and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas using the feng shui principles. The theme has some Asian and Moroccan inspired elements but will not be a traditional teahouse but rather an eclectic global fusion of many styles. The urban style setting is constructed using eco-friendly products, building and cleaning supplies thanks to our green building partners at a.k.a. Green. A raised platform area located at the front of the room serves as a stage for local music talent (Brazilian, Latin, Classical Guitar, and Jazz) and other entertainment such as reading tea leaves or a yerba mate tea ceremony. A small retail sector offers hard to find tea wares, unique gifts, organic body care products and Mandala Tearoom organic cotton t-shirts. A community education corner hosts a small library of educational books available for patrons on subjects of holistic health, meditation, art, feng shui, mandalas, etc. A host of lectures and interactive workshops on a variety of topics: Five Element Theory, Color Therapy, Space Clearing, Nutrition & Healing, Whole foods cooking & Kitchen coaching, Family & Cultural Wellness, Naturopathic Medicine, etc. Mandala Tearoom has also partnered with Organically Grown for You, an organic fruit & vegetable co-op, for regular “farmers market” style basket pick-up.

		the mandala mission Establish Mandala Tearoom as a premier independent tearoom and organic vegetarian kitchen providing fine tea & food products while promoting health, harmony, peace, local artistry, cultural & environmental wellness. Before we can make deep changes in our lives, we have to look into our diet, our way of consuming. We have to live in such a way that we stop consuming the things that poison us and intoxicate us. Then we will have the strength to allow the best in us to arise and we will no longer be victims of anger, of frustration. ~ Thich Nat Hahn, Buddhist Monk