I am sometimes asked what the difference is between Zentangle® Method art and mandalas.
So get yourself a cup of tea, get comfy, and we’ll break down the differences and similarities of each.
At their core, both Zentangle and mandalas are mindful art forms.
I became aware of mandalas much earlier than I ever knew about Zentangle and its founders, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
As a Certified Zentangle® Teacher, I am well-versed in the origins of this wonderful mindful art form. It was founded in 2004 by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
However, I couldn’t claim to have any knowledge of the roots of mandalas. Google to the rescue!
According to invaluable.com, mandalas date back to the foundations of Buddhism, with the founder of the religion, Siddhartha Gautama, being born around 560 B.C. in the region now known as Nepal.
Gautama gained a group of followers who became the first community of Buddhist monks. As this group travelled, spreading the word of Buddhism, they carried mandalas with them, taking the practice of painting them to other regions such as Tibet, China, and Japan by the 4th century.
Over time, the art form was adopted and practised by other religions as well, including Hinduism.
There are similarities between Zentangle artwork and mandalas, for sure. Namely, they are both line art and utilise repetitive patterns. For that reason, they are both known as meditative ways of being creative.
Both art forms have appeal depending on what the artist is looking to achieve.
Mandalas: Structure and Symbolism
Mandalas are always created in a circular fashion. In fact, the word mandala in Sanskrit translates as ‘sacred centre’ or ‘circle’. Although not all mandalas are started using a compass, drawing aids are not discouraged when creating this art form.
Think symmetry, balance, and order. These circles are divided further to become a grid into which patterns are repeated around the various sections of the mandala.
Mandalas aren’t just about structure or tradition—they also have powerful mental and emotional benefits.
- Psychological Benefits – Psychologists like Carl Jung used mandalas in therapy, believing they promote self-awareness and inner harmony. Creating mandalas can also trigger a meditative flow state, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress.
- Symbolic & Personal Growth Benefits – Many people use mandalas for self-expression, intention-setting, or even manifestation and goal-setting. Each design can reflect emotions, personal journeys, or aspirations.
- Cognitive and Motor Skill Benefits – The structured, repetitive nature of mandalas improves focus, patience, and fine motor skills, making them a great practice for all ages.
While mandalas are rooted in religion, they can be created simply for fun – I’m not religious, but I can lose myself in the process of creating them.
Zentangle: Freedom and Flow
Zentangle, on the other hand, is abstract, non-representational, and tanglers are encouraged to refrain from using compasses or rulers in creating their tangles.
With Zentangle, there is no quest for perfection. Classic tangles are always created in a freehand manner, and original tiles were much smaller at just three and a half inches squared.
However, now, a wide range of colours, sizes, and paper surfaces are available.
In early 2011, Zentangle released the first round tiles, now known as Zendalas, a combination of the words Zentangle and mandala.
Perhaps this is where people start to have questions about whether Zentangle and mandalas are one and the same. They’re not.
I personally very much enjoy both art forms. As I’ve said, some people might naturally lean towards the structured approach of mandalas, while others find Zentangle more freeing.
If you’re going to create a mandala using a compass, it takes longer to set up – and I can be impatient to just start the actual art already!
Zendala tiles may seem intimidating at first because it feels like you “should” repeat the design all the way around. Don’t think about it like that! You have the freedom to do whatever you like.
Your tangles on a Zendala tile don’t have to be a radial design!
The Zentangle ‘No Mistakes’ Philosophy
Have you ever encountered the Zentangle No Mistakes philosophy?
I love this principle. It extends from how I view art in progress to how I view life in general.
If you ‘mess up’ in Zentangle, you have an opportunity to turn that mistake into a pattern or tweak it into something new.
My personal opinion is that if you make a mistake in mandala drawing, it can be harder to fix while keeping the symmetry. That’s why I find Zentangle so freeing!
The Elegance of Limits
Another thing I love about Zentangle is the ‘elegance of limits’ principle.
A basic Zentangle kit includes just paper tiles, a pen, a pencil, and a blending stump. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive.
The idea behind this is that having too many choices can be overwhelming, leading to inaction.
Some people think fewer supplies limit creativity, but I find the opposite is true. Having fewer supplies to work with forces me to be more inventive!
Mandalas vs. Zentangle: Which One Should You Try?
Both art forms are great for relaxation, creativity, and mindfulness.
- If you love structure, balance, and repetition, you might enjoy mandalas.
- If you prefer spontaneity, creativity, and artistic freedom, Zentangle might be more your thing.
- Or, like me, you might love both!
There’s no right or wrong choice, only what brings you joy. Try both and see what works for you!
Want to Explore Zentangle for Yourself?
If you’d love to experience the meditative power of drawing Zentangle, join me for a weekly class on Mondays. I’d love to tangle with you!
And if you want to blend Zentangle with gratitude and mindfulness, my journal, The Art of Thanks, is a beautiful way to bring creativity and self-reflection together.
Whatever you choose to create, enjoy it and have fun!