Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Infiltration of Major School Systems: A Look Into 'Mindful Kids Miami' and 'Breathe for Change' Madison

Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Infiltration of Major School Systems:  A Look Into 'Mindful Kids Miami' and 'Breathe for Change' Madison

Miami-Dade County Schools Partner with Mindful Kids Miami

Miami-Dade County Schools (Fourth Largest School District in the U.S.A.) is being transformed into a mindfulness-yoga school system through its partnership with Mindful Kids Miami, and its mindfulness lady leader--Valerie York-Zimmerman.

Yes, grades Pre-K through 12, students as well as teachers and administrators will be instructed in mindfulness meditation. Training centers have been set up all over Miami even in the sanctuary of the "most progressive church in the city"--Riviera Presbyterian Church (USA).  Recently Riviera adherents proudly held up a banner reading, "We All Are God's Beloved Children: No Exceptions!"
http://www.mindfulkidsmiami.org/upcoming-events/

Now, Valerie York-Zimmerman, devotee of famed mindfulness zealot Jon Kabat-Zinn, passionately shares mindfulness practices everywhere she goes.  And just what does this partnership between MKM and M-DCPS involve?  And what will the children/teachers of Dade County be subjected to?  To begin read about its "Inner-Journey Poster" below.

Ponder This MKM Poster: MBSR Teachers/Administrator Course for 2015-21016

A colorful printable poster designed to hang in faculty rooms touting the Mindful Kids Miami's pilot program for professional development for its classroom educators and administrators shows the MKM and M-DCPS logos side by side at the top of the poster.  Just below the logos is a serene beach scene complete with a sacred stone stack.

Stating the official agenda of MKM, the poster declares, "Mounting scientific evidence supports mindfulness-based programs help teachers reduce stress and burnout, anxiety disorders and depression, and improve immune function, attention, memory, executive function, compassion,
resilience, among other benefits."

To find more information about this fully funded program one is encouraged to visit www.MindfulKidsMiami.org. Participants also were told to go to M-DCPS Employee Portal to register so they might receive their "26 Master Plan Points."

In small print at the bottom the poster says MKM is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to bringing benefits of mindfulness to all children, grades Pre-K through 12, in Miami-Dade County.  The intention of MKM is to teach "mindfulness skills" to children and adults in schools, hospitals, and institutional settings.

Valerie York-Zimmerman: Founder of "Mindful Kids Miami"

Exactly who is York-Zimmerman?  And what is her agenda?  "The One Quality You Must Instill in Your Child" by Amanda McCorquodale fills us in when it says that secret something for York-Zimmerman "is mindfulness, a daily meditative practice that brings one's complete attention to the present moment."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/mindful-kids-miami_n_4226800.html

And the article informs us that York-Zimmerman has studied with Buddhist monk and author Thich Nhat Hanh as well as mindfulness guru Jon Kabat-Zinn.  In addition, Valerie's extensive bio "About the Teacher" on her web site points out that she's studied with many other "auspicious" masters from both the East and the West.  Besides, she and her husband Dr. Zimmerman have even built "The Sanctuary" which is a meditation hall "nestled in the tranquility of a Zen garden."
http://www.miamimindfulness.com/about

When one reads where she's studied, and with whom she's trained it's impossible not to wonder how such an organization, that's so blatantly based on Buddhism, can penetrate into a public school system such as Miami, and seemingly no one even challenges these obvious religious ties.

Prayer Stone Stacks: Their Association with Mindfulness

As noted the MKM's Poster had a prayer stone stack pictured on its M-DCPS' faculty poster.  So too, it can be noted, that both Thich Nhat Hanh's book The Mindful Survival Kit, and Jon Kabat-Zinn's book Mindfulness for Beginners had similar prayer stacks on their front covers.  So what is the significance of this?

The Daily OM's article "Prayer Stone Stacks: Intention Set in Stone" gives us one answer when it says, "Out in nature, mindfully placing a stone on a stone pile leaves a prayer in its wake for those that follow after you."  An article form The PranaShanti Yoga Centre of Ottawa, Canada "What Do Stacked Stones Mean for Mindfulness?" notes that building such stacks requires full attention to the present moment thus making the process "meditative."  After, one can infuse each stone with a prayer or intention and when something disrupts that pile those prayers have done their work, and are released.  http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/printerfriendly.cgi?articleid=23084
http://pranashanti.com/meditation/what-do-stacked-stones-mean-for-mindfulness/

Thus, MKM's sacred stone stack on its poster brings up the question is mindfulness secular, as MKM suggests, or is there a religious component as even their poster would seem to signal?  And one might also ask how did all this mindfulness infiltration get started any way?  For the answers one must turn to Jon Kabat-Zinn and his karmic saga.

Jon Kabat-Zinn's Karmic Saga: The Mainstreaming of Mindfulness

Mary S. Wylie, in "How the Mindfulness Movement Went Mainstream--And the Backlash That Came With It," tells the story of how Buddhist student, and MIT molecular biologist Jon Kabat-Zinn received "his karmic assignment" vision during a meditation retreat. What was this assignment?
Why it was to bring his Eastern disciplines of yoga and mindfulness to people of the Massachusetts hospital in which he was then working.

How did he then achieve this mainstreaming of Buddhist mindfulness?  Wylie writes it this way, "... he approached the challenge by adopting a mainstream and commonsensical American vocabulary that described meditation as a way or paying attention and cultivating awareness in everyday life, and by practices that were easily accessible and straightforward."  In other words, he removed every shred of Buddhist terminology that he could!

This "little pilot project" begun by Kabat-Zinn flourished as his patients took responsibility to practice watching their breath, utilizing body scans, doing home yoga, and learning to meditate.  Over and over Kabat-Zinn emphasized this mindfulness meditation meant: "To pay attention on purpose in the present moment nonjudgmentally."

Fast forward thirty-seven years later, and today you'll find his mindfulness in hospitals, schools, colleges, prisons, military training, sports, corporations, and more.  As Wylie wrote, "mindfulness is a 'boffo bestseller' both as a product, and its endless spinoffs."

Now, notes Wylie, numerous studies were made but almost all of them, but for forty-three, were deemed unusable as found by John Hopkins Asst. Professor of Medicine Madhav Goyal.  Wilie also described how such famous personalities as the Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Moyers helped push mindfulness to the forefront.

Wylie, however not only described the successes of mindfulness, but its downfalls.  One of these downfalls, seldom told to the public, is the fact that, according to Willoughby Britton of Brown University, mindfulness has a shadow side or a dark side.  Britton found that those who deeply meditated often experienced disturbing results such as hallucinating, reliving old wounds and traumas, feelings of intense fear, and having psychotic outbreaks.  Britton called this her "Dark Night Project."  Britton noted, "If we think anything is going to fix everything, we should probably take a moment and meditate on that."  Click here for the Wylie's entire article:
http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/how-mindfulness-movement-went-mainstream-and-backlash-came-it

Major Spokesman for Mindfulness Congressman Tim Ryan: Part of Honorary Board of Mindful Kids Miami

One doesn't have to do much research to discover MKM has its roots in the University of Miami's mindfulness program.  In fact in April of 2015 there was presentation sponsored by MKM and the university featuring Tim Ryan, Amishi Jha, Scott Rogers, and Valerie York-Zimmerman herself.
http://www.mindfulkidsmiami.org/a-mindful-miami/ 
http://www.mindfulkidsmiami.org/honorary-board-of-directors/

It's interesting to note that Congressman Ryan, speaking at a 2013 Wisdom 2 Conference, along with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Marianne Williamson, testified how Kabat-Zinn had won him over to mindfulness meditation during Tim's first silent retreat.  Ryan then went on to write A Mindful Nation which has a foreword by Kabat-Zinn.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOnwBg08geU

Amishi Jha, an ardent Buddhist, is also a contemplative neuroscientist researcher with the U. of Miami.  Now, her research has been to show how mindfulness impacts the brain.  However, if you examine Jha's speaking engagements it will immediately show her strong ties to Buddhism, and the New Age with her presentations at Naropa University, Upaya Zen Center, Omega, and Windmill Meditation.  Once again, mindfulness aficionados who declare mindfulness secular, and not religious should note who is championing this approach, and their associations with Buddhist organizations.
https://www.naropa.edu/media/press-releases/press-2014/amishi-jha.php

University of Wisconsin/Madison's Public Schools Partner with Breathe for Change

Much like Mindful Kids Miami the University of Wisconsin and Madison Public Schools are partnering with Breathe for Change.  Again like Miami, Breathe for Change is run by an ambitious lady leader- Dr. Ilana Nankin.  http://www.breatheforchange.org/

This youthful "change agent" Nankin, who worked for the Biden-Obama campaign, is out of Berkeley with a triple agenda for America's kids: social justice, yoga, and mindfulness all rolled into one.  Nankin, in a few months, has put together an organization that has, according to its web site, already "reached remarkable milestones" since its startup in 2015 at U. of Wisconsin.

Under its banner of "change and transformation" B4C boasts that it offers "the world's only 200-hour wellness and yoga teacher training designated specifically for educators."  This sixteen day training, associated with the  Cloud Nine Yoga Schools headed by Erika Faith Calig, promises to take educators through a "transformational progression" that includes yogic principles and postures, mindfulness and breathing, and powerful group exercises.  Grads of this training earn a "Yoga Alliance 200-hour Certification" (From Cloud Nine) and become Breathe for Change champions.
http://cloudnineyoga.com/erika/

A closer look at the Madison Yoga Certification Schedule from last year should make the discerning reader cringe at what public school youth are about to be taught through this coming army of mindfulness and yoga educators.  It's day by day, and even hour by hour schedule is laid out for all to see--things such as eight limb yoga, yamas and niyamasas, asana intensive, breath and sun salutations, yin/yang yoga, pranayama and bandhas, meditation, kids' yoga, kids' moving meditations, blissful breakfasts, love lunches, divine dinners, chakras east and west, chakra affirmations, ayurveda, intro to mudras, mantras, kriyas, kundalini, the Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism, deities, avatars, partner yoga, Thai massage, and the list goes on and on!

Concerned reader:  This list is "religious" through and through for these topics are straight out of Hinduism and Buddhism.  Remember, this is all going into public schools.  And this summer B4C is moving on to NYC, and on to the "Sesame Street Program."  Be watching!

The May 20, 2016 Yoga Journal features B4C asking:  "Can Yoga Save Our Schools, One Teacher at a Time?"  The answer is, says the YJ Editor, is Breathe for Change "thinks it can."  However, no program or person will save our schools for we've swept God out, and brought other gods in.  Isaiah 45:22 says, "Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else."  Just one person can make all things new, transform us, and calm us and that person is Jesus Christ!
 http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/balance/career/can-yoga-save-our-schools-one-teacher-at-a-time/

Mindfulness and Yoga Are In Our Schools: What's Your Response?

Not only is mindfulness and yoga in Miami and Madison but in many other places as well; in fact it could be going on right in your own school via the Smart Board, the school TV system, the PE program, or elsewhere.  And very soon mindfulness and yoga programs are going to require true Christian teachers (parents too) to take a stand against participating in training classes, or having such practices in the classroom as those taught by MKM, or B4C.  And jobs may be lost.  Some of these may be pilot projects for now, but total control is right around the corner in the name of science, health, and wellness.  The handwriting is on the wall!

With school systems all over the country ready to embark on a mission to incorporate mindfulness meditation, and yoga into their curriculums what will your response be?  Will you keep silent, or will you speak up?  For this is the time now to take a stand for truth.  Inform your pastors, youth leaders, administrators, teachers, parents, grandparents, and others of what is happening.  Wake up for the time is late!

Should such a time come when teachers and parents are forced to take a stand on these issues I hope with the songwriter of  "The Solid Rock" you can respond, "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand."

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Psalm 1:1-2 

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Note: Mindful meditation asks you to close your eyes, clear your mind, and focus on your breath; while Biblical meditation asks you to fill your mind with the Word of God, and think of it over and over.

For More Information:

"Coming to a School Near You?  Mindfulness Meditation for Public School Children
in Wisconsin"  Lighthouse Trails Blog
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=20674

Meditation!  Pathway to Wellness or Doorway to the Occult? by Ray Yungen 
Lighthouse Trails Tract Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18828

D Is for Deception by Kevin Reeves and the Editors at Lighthouse Trails
Lighthouse Trails Tract Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18753



















   

What's Up Disney? Zootopia's Yax Yak Oms at Mystic Spa

What's Up Disney?  Zootopia's Hippy Yax Oms at Mystic Spa

Remember characters like Donald and Daisy Duck and Huey, Dewey, and Louie?  Well, things have changed!  Instead Disney's Zootopia, Pixar's latest animation marvel, has a cast of characters that includes "Be the Change Judy Bunny," "Oming Yax the Hippy Yak," and "Nudist Yogi Nangi the Elephant" among other animal prey and predator characters making one query, "What's Up Disney?"

While much has been written about Zootopia this review will zero in on its "middle of the movie moments" which include Judy and Nick's meeting of the zoned out nudist Yax the Yak, who mans the desk of Zootopia's Mystic Oasis Springs Spa; and their introduction to Nangi* the Yogi Elephant and the other animal "nudists" cavorting round the spa's "Pleasure Pond" in provocative positions.
http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Yax  http://zootopia.wikia.com/wiki/Nanga

*Note:  "Nangi" means "naked" in Hindu; and Nangi is voiced by actress Gita Reddy.

Thus, because of the disturbing content of these scenes this back story will give the reader a better understanding of what makes these middle of the movie scenes so troublesome.

Zootopia's Meditation Moment: Yax Yak Oms

Main characters Judy and Nick meet Yax seated behind his candle lit front desk in front of a sacred mandala.  Yax's mouth is opened letting out a continuous stream of that most sacred Hindu sound: OM or AUM!

Now OM is the symbol you'll see resembling a three having a tail with a tusk-like-shape and a diamond over it.  Aliyah Schick in her book: The OM Meditative Color Book: Adult Coloring for Relaxation, Stress Reduction, Meditation, Spiritual Connection, Prayer, Centering, and Coming Into Your Deep True Self  describes OM as the original primordial sound that created the universe.  It is the name of God.  OM is the vibration of God's manifesting into form."  Schick further says, "OM is the most recognized symbol of Hinduism ... widely used in Hindu traditions, by yoga practitioners,
by Buddhist, Janists, and others."  Schick continues, "OM is a whole prayer within itself, and is often used as a repeating chant ....  It attunes us to higher levels of being.  It is said that the vibration ... penetrates all the way to our souls."

Schick says chanting OM will enable one to find their "deep true selves."  But the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 that our true selves are "desperately wicked and who can know it?"  And that the only way we can find life and hope is through Jesus Christ, not through chanting OM.
http://www.amazon.com/Meditative-Coloring-Book-relaxation-meditation/dp/098827311X

If you've read my previous blog: "Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story" you'll recall how Disney also inserted a meditative scene with  Sanjay's dad "oming" in the short preceding the recent movie: "The Good Dinosaur."  Recall this seven minute short was sprung on the audience without any warning.  And when the short ended the audience had its eye-full of Hindu idols and a Hindu demon.  Disney's insertion of such meditative methods was not part of its past fun-filled films.   However, content has changed, so be alert!

Disney Zootopia: The Essential Guide 

Yax Meditating on the Cover

A look into Dorling Kindersley's Disney Zootopia: The Essential Guide by Victoria Saxon will help give even more incite into Zootopia's mid-movie-encounters.  Just a glance at its cover shows five of its characters; Judy front and center surrounded by Yax, Flash, Nick, and Clawhauser.

And what is Yax doing?  He's meditating in the lotus position with his hooves in a mudra, and mouth opened in the "OM" position.

Yax Meditating in the Center

Just past the midpoint of the book once again we find Yax featured in a two page spread.  Yax, "the naked yak on Mystic Spring Oasis's front desk," is described as a "laid-back dude who doesn't seem to notice anything much."  Around the illustrations in DK fashion there are boxes.  One entitled:
 "A Warm Welcome" tells us Yax lights lots of candles on the front desk.  Yax's "Fact File" box lists  his hobbies as: "chanting and burning incense." 

Yax's "In the Zone" Box shares, "Yax won't let guests interrupt his meditation.  The more they try to bother him, the louder he chants."  Behind Yax you'll note the edges of the large meditation mandala on the spa's wall.  In the movie scenes the background mandala is very noticeable!

Moving over to the full page picture of Yax chanting while sitting with his legs crossed in the lotus pose with labeled arrows pointing out: "flies buzzing round," "shaggy unwashed hair," ""mystic orange beads with green charm," and "meditating in the lotus pose."  A blurb beside him is labeled: "The Body Is a Temple."  It reads: "Yax believes that his body is awesome, and he wants to keep it pure and natural."  (pp. 42-43)

Yax Meditating at the End

Just in case you didn't get enough of the "Yax" who do we find pictured on the "Acknowledgement" page at the very end?  Yes, Yax oming as the flies swarm round his mangy hair.
http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Zootopia-Essential-Guide-DK/dp/1465444289

Mystic Springs Oasis

The Essential Guide has another two page spread describing "this awesome spa" as "the best place in the city to chill out and feel good."  This Mystic Springs box says, "Dudes of all types are seriously welcome here, from business yaks to bear cops.  Visitors can relax with meditation, yoga, hot springs, and lots of warm mud." 

Around the two pages, boxes highlight various parts of the springs.  The far left box "Top 3... Yoga Positions" are given as "Downward dog, Half moon, and Tree Pose."  The next box "Pleasure Pool" says the spa's pool is an "outdoor haven" where animals splash and snooze.  The "Take a Break" box tells that upon entering the spa all mammals are to encouraged to breathe in the goodness of incenses...."  It continues, "The rooms are kept dark and quiet to provide a soothing environment."

The last box "The Naturalist Life" shares this 'amazing tidbit':  "The fact that guests exercise in the nude also keeps them cool--the spa is a naturalist's club, which means all the animals are naked."
(pp. 40-41)  And this is a children's book? movie? 

Disney/Subway Kids' Meal Decals

Along with Subway's kids' meals for six weeks this winter, children could collect large Zootopia wall decals that kids could peel, stick, and reuse.  Just who was featured on the very first pack?  Why, Yax in his lotus pose, Nick the Fox, and a Zootopia cityscape.  I would love Disney/Subway to tell us why this blissed-out Yax was a good character kids should stick on their toys or books?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7MsKlugJ0

Disney Movie Reward Mother's Day "Ohm Card"

View this Mother's Day card titled "Ohm...Ohm...Ooohmmmm..." with the in the zone, Yax in that same hideous--now colored almost all orange-- picture.  One can get this "chill card" with its "enlightened look" complete with a frame inspired by Zootopia.  To many this oming Yax is extra cute because Yax's voice is done by New Age actor Tommy Chong.
http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/rewards/zootopia-yax-moday-cardframe-6796

Zootopia's Not So Nice Nudist Playground

In the movie, just as Judy and Nick go out to meet Nangi the Yogi Elephant at the Oasis' exercise area, Yax brazenly turns round lifting his tail into Judy's face.  With much more on these playground moments Johnny Brayson's "The Zootopia Nudity Scene Makes It Worthy of Its PG Rating" (Bustle) shows movie clips of the next scenes: the naked hippo and giraffe volleyball game, the seductive panther on the velvet couch, and the giraffe's position as it takes a drink.

Brayson writes, "Yes, the most talked about scene in Zootopia involves an animal nudist colony."  Brayson also notes that the idea of animal nudity is so clever for animals are always nude.  Just the way the animals are posed, relates Brayson, is "pretty hilarious."  Brayson mentions also Judy's shock at the risqué images she sees as she strolls through the naturalist club.  And " ... this super funny scene," asserts Brayson, "is one of the many reasons why Zootopia is going to be remembered as one of Disney's best."

The truth is that, contrary to Brayson's opinion, anyone caring about young children would never consider these titillating scenes as hilarious or funny!  The question to Disney would be exactly what was the purpose of these naturalist club scenes in the first place?  If youngsters performed  these actions in their play time they most certainly would be reprimanded, or punished.  This portion of the movie not only is not a part to be remembered, but one to be lamented that Disney has reached a new low!  Parents should be cognizant of the content of all future Disney films.  As one young mom commented in a review she should have done her homework before taking her children to see it!  Amen to that!
http://www.bustle.com/articles/145038-the-zootopia-nudity-scene-makes-it-worthy-of-its-pg-rating
 
Christian Reviews of Zootopia

Several Christian sites review the movie.  One "Christian Spotlight" missed the mark when it rates its moral content as "Average" rather than "Negative."  However, others commenting within the piece had far more discernment than its reviewer Blake Wilson giving its moral content the negative rating it so rightly deserved. A "Plugged In" review by Focus on the Family neglected  to mention anything about Yax's meditation, yoga, or the obvious meditative mandala.   Once more this highlights the fact that many Christian groups, churches, or pastors fail to step up to the plate and address current issues so as to alert their readers, or members!  Would they would awaken, and be serious contenders for the faith as Jude of old!
http://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2016/zootopia2016.html
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/plugged-in-entertainment-reviews/movie-zootopia

Pixar's Future Animation Agenda

Does Disney have an agenda incorporating meditation moments with Hindu content, or nudist clubs with cavorting critters?  Does Disney poke fun at family values, or anyone who would appear like a prude or a goody-two-shoes as Judy did in these clips?  The Guardian's "Cannes 2015: Disney Unveils Toy Story 4-and Their First Nude Scene" by Henry Barnes gives a sneak peek into Pixar's animation future plans.

Barnes shares that topics that will be popping up on the Disney slate in coming years will be "grief, racial profiling, and gender bias" among others.  At the time of this May 2015 article, the Mystic Spring Oasis scene was unfinished.  However, Barnes notes that, Pixar's Chief Creative Officer of Disney John Lasseter said, "This is Disney animation's first nude scene. ...  It's been a long time coming."  And what else, Mr. Lasseter, has already come in "Sanjay's Super Team, " and in "Zootopia?"  And what more will come?  Parents and teachers should stay tuned!
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/20/cannes-2015-disney-unveils-toy-story-4-and-their-first-nude-scene

Pixar's World Trust Collaborator

Apparently with their upcoming agenda in mind Pixar hired a most interesting consultant, World Trust's Dr. Shakti Butler, to give them feedback on Zootopia's content.  Butler, a doctoral graduate of
the School of Transformative Learning and Change out of California's Institute of Integral Studies,
specializes in race relations and social justice.  Featured on the Institute's facebook, with its SriYantra logo, Butler is praised for her role in Zootopia in interrupting biases and stereotypes.
http://world-trust.org/dr-shakti-butler/

In Conclusion

In this upside down world where evil is good, and good is evil a cleverly animated animal film has all sorts of hidden agendas, and topics that behooves one to be ever alert as to what future films will entail.  So be nourished up in scripture, and be able to stand up for truth.  For as I Peter states one should be prepared, with courteousness and respectfulness, to give a logical defense to those who question one's faith!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Isaiah 5:20

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story!

Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story!

Imagine the shock and confusion recently when a friend went to see the kids' movie The Good Dinosaur,  and was met with the short Sanjay's Super Team.  Without warning, or explanation this wordless seven minute film burst on the screen showing what appeared to be an Indian boy in front of a TV, and his father worshipping before an open shrine.  What was this film all about with its scary idols and an evil monster?  How in the world did this connect with the movie The Good Dinosaur?  None of it made sense!

And none of it would make sense until further research gave the answers.  As many are aware, some Disney movies are preceded by an entertaining animated film done by Pixar.  But this preview short was decidedly different, and had an apparent agenda.  So what was this agenda, and why this short?

For a quick answer one can turn to Wikipedia's Sanjay's Super Team.  This article tells us this mini-film was directed by Pixar animator Sanjay Patel, and produced by Nicole Grindle.  The film was Patel's own story about his conflicts and problems growing up in a Hindu family in which he had to participate in his father's daily Hindu meditations.  To counteract this, Patel, as a boy, chose to imagine the Hindu gods as super heroes.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjay%27s_Super_Team

To tell his personal story Sanjay and his team used fast moving, even terrifying at times, animation to mesmerize the viewer.  For this seven minute short exposes viewers to Hindu practices at every turn starting with the "motel room meditation." 

West Meets East: Super Hero TV Infatuation VS Hindu Shrine Meditation

Patel's Short Introduction

From the get go we find young Sanjay at his TV watching a "Super Team" cartoon as his dad is at his shrine worshipping his Hindu idols--Vishnu, Durga, and Hanuman.

At the sound of the ghanta bell, Sanjay is forced away from his TV adventure over to his dad's open shrine altar with its trio of idols.  Here the dad anoints each one with a red powder dot on their forehead.  The bell is rung again.  And Sanjay and his dad fold their hands, while the dad begins to chant "Om!"

Patel's Motel Room Description

The article "Pixar Looks East" notes the film unfolds in three locations, each marked by Hindu symbolism.  In the square motel room there's a square TV opposite a square shrine separated by a shaft of light from a window that symbolizes East versus West.  In another piece Patel characterizes the short as an East-West handshake.

Patel's Actual Motel Room Description

At the start of the short the title "A True Story" flashes on the screen, followed by the word "Mostly" so the actual title is "A Mostly True Story."  Thus, in order to unlock the real story one may find additional details in Patel's numerous interviews.

In The Fader's "Sanjay Patel Finds His Super Power," with Anupa Mistry, Sanjay shares more of his boyhood story when the says, "... I'd go out to the Lido Motel parking lot and my dad had marigold plants.  I'd pick about ten ..., wash them ... and bring them to him.  He'd be sitting cross-legged in front of his shrine and there were rows and rows of framed images and statues of deities.  He'd
anoint them with red powder and a marigold petal, and ... ring the bell."  Sanjay then had fifteen minutes to watch TV until the bell rang again.  After he had to sit for twenty minutes while his dad did aatri, and used his mala beads in meditation.  See: Puja (Hinduism) at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puja_(Hinduism)

Patel's Puja Worship Contrasted to Scripture

The Murtis:

Patel mentions his dad worshipped "murtis" or images of deities that are considered divine once consecrated.  However Exodus 20:3-5 warns: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing ... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them or serve them ...."

In the film one views a square box-like shrine with "an eye hole" opening.  In actuality, as Patel shows in a power point show, a bigger shrine area still exists with its numerous murtis at the motel.

The Cleansing:

In a Huffington Post interview Carol Kuruvilla tells how Patel's dad would daily bathe each idol before expecting Sanjay to pray with him.  In Ezekiel 36:25, 26 the prophet records: "Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, (Israel) and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: ...."  In sum, it isn't idols that need washing but us.  Psalm 51:7 says: "Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sanjays-super-team-short-preview_us_562130e6e4b069b4e1fbf480

The Food Offerings:

Sanjay, in an art museum power point talk, showed pictures of food placed before his parents' deities, and a Hindu saint picture smeared with food.  In fact, shared Patel, his parents fed their deities before they ever ate themselves.  I Corinthians 8:4 mentions idol offerings like this: "As concerning ... the eating of those things ... offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one."  Deuteronomy 4:28 notes that idols "... neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell."

The Flower Offerings:

Patel tells of anointing the deities with marigold petals.  Acts 14:11-15 gives us the story of Paul being taken for a god, and the people bringing garlands to him.  But Paul told them, "to turn from their vanities unto the living God, which made the heavens and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:"

The Diya Oil Lamp:

In the short, the diya lamp is present which is always used during aarti worship.  II Samuel 22:29 tells us that's its not a diya that gives light in darkness, but as David says, "For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness."  Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti

The Om Song/The Om Bell:

During aarti worship, mantra songs are chanted using the most sacred sound of Hinduism-- the Om!
The ghanta bell too puts forth vibrations having the Om sound.  Of repetitive chants or sounds done to clear one's mind during meditation Matthew 5:7 warns: "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking."
For info see: "Heart of Hinduism: Hindu Symbols" at: http://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/lifestyle/806.htm  
and "Ghanta" at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanta

Patel's Vedic Temple Description

When Sanjay, in the short, is catapulted from the motel shrine into the dark temple one notices its Hindu yantra in the center of the floor, its three wall idols, as well as the central candle or diya.  Patel relates, " ... we go from a box to a circle that looks like it's an ancient temple.  And in fact, Vedic temples have the same underpinnings in their floor plans."  Patel continues, " ... once the boy lights the diya ... I really wanted to transform what was finite, the circle, to the infinite.  And I wanted to take what was physical and make it more subtle."

Patel in, "Pixar Looks East," references sand mandalas and yantras when he says, "I mean we've all seen sand mandalas and yantras that help one focus and meditate."
http://www.filmjournal.com/features/pixar-looks-east-%E2%80%98sanjay%E2%80%99s-super-team%E2%80%99-studio%E2%80%99s-first-india-themed-short

Patel's Temple Adventure

In the eerie temple Sanjay faces the demon Ravana whirling out of the candle, and throwing the shrieking Sanjay over to the temple door. The shimmering gods come to life battling Ravana.
Vishnu's bell ringing topples the evil demon, while Sanjay's hitting of the central fire dish sends rainbow vibrations causing Ravana to fade away.  After these terrifying encounters the gods bow to the boy, and Vishnu gives back Sanjay his action toy.  Suddenly Sanjay is whisked back to the shrine.  His dad allows more TV time, opens the shuttered window, sits by Sanjay, and smiles as he views his super hero idol drawings.

Of the temple scenario Huffington Post religious editor Carol Kuruvilla enthuses, "... he encounters
a fantastic trio of Hindu gods-the blue god Vishnu, the warrior goddess Durga, and the half-monkey god Hanuman.  The gods accompany Sanjay on a grand adventure and the boy begins to get a glimpse of the cosmic beauty and brilliance of his dad's faith."

Siddnant Adlakha, of Birth.Movies.Death., mentioned the scene this way, "Sanjay is magically transported to another realm, where he's confronted by a demon in an ancient temple, and the Gods in his father's shrine come alive to save him. Adlakha adds, "... their designs ... already stem from an origin that's a cultural hybrid: Goa Trance album covers."  Adlakha also says, "Each character (god) was designated a specific style of classical Indian dance (which the animators ... learned firsthand!) ...."
http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/11/02/sanjays-super-team-reconciliation-through-art

Patel's Short Music

Siddnant also noted that Mychael Danna, part of Patel's team, having married a Hindu woman and raising two sons Hindu, understood, "... the significance of each sound and instrument, even making use of the bansuri, a wooden flute associated with Vishnu's seventh incarnation-Lord Krishna."

Patel's Short Dance

Sanjay's team hired an Indian classical dancer, Katherine Kunhiraman, to show them how to have the short's idols perform mudras and dance moves accurately.  A brief look at "Kunhiraman-Indian-Classical-Dance" with host Eva A. Ma gives a close of "Shiva, Lord of the Dance" at 2:30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKzt8OTZ0c

Patel's Behind the Scenes Story

Pixar encouraged Sanjay to share his personal story of being a person of color caught between two cultures.  Of course, there's much more to this story than told in the film for prior to  its production Sanjay had already begun his journey to reconnect with his family's Hinduism.  And here's that part of the story.

Patel's Hindu Heritage Rediscovery

In "'Sanjay's Super Team' Is a Deviation from All Other Pixar Short Films"  Emily Rome relates how Sanjay once again was drawn back to his roots when he experienced "Goa Trance" raves that became popular in his area.  Images of Hindu gods were on CD covers, and Hindu sounds and chanting were everywhere in the mid 1990s.  This then spurred Sanjay to explore the Hindu deities
through a book of Indian miniature paintings, and more.
http://www.hitfix.com/news/sanjays-super-team-is-a-deviation-from-all-other-pixar-short-films

Patel's Hindu Deities Book

Eager to share his new found fascination with others Patel wrote and illustrated The Little Book of Hindu Deities for kids.  In The Fader Patel relates, "The first book ... was self-published ... for my education, it was my homework."  Patel adds, "My first book looks like a hybrid-children's book and it was designed like this because most people know zero about these deities, so you have to start at a child's level."  https://www.thefader.com/2016/02/24/sanjay-patel-sanjays-super-team-pixar

Cute and clever as this little book may be, as Gheehappy.com describes, it's "chock full of monsters, demons, noble warriors, and divine ones."  http://www.gheehappy.com/

Patel's Book About Ramayana

Patel then went on to lavishly illustrate the Indian epic tale he titled Ramayana: Divine Loophole.
Until adulthood Patel had never read this classic tale of the god King Rama, whose wife Sita had been kidnapped by Ravana, and later rescued by Rama and Hanuman. 

After reading this tale Patel realized why a picture of Hanuman standing on a mountain hung on the motel wall over the shrine; why his parents said, "Sita Ram!" when someone sneezed; and why his dad had him repeat the mantra, "Rama, Rama, Rama!" as he counted mala beads during puja.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sanjay-patel/my-graphic-ramayana-adven_b_486279.html

Patel's Ganesha Book

Patel also wrote a captivating kids' book about the elephant god titled Ganesha's Sweet Tooth.  For a look inside watch the You Tube video below.  On another You Tube reading of the book a cute
little gal shared they were reading the story because it was "Ganesha's birthday."  And she added, "He's a god, and he's invincible!"  But this little one does not know the true God who declared, "I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7YMBxCDOE and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwUXc_m_aM

Patel's Museum Exhibitions

Sanjay, in addition to his books and other art work, has done large exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum in California, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York.  These shows were overflowing with all things pagan: Hindu idols, avatars, demons, and more.

In conversation with Quamar Adamjee at the Asian Art Museum, Patel did a power point presentation in which he showed a photo of a "rangoli" he painted for his exhibit.  This rangoli* (related to mandalas and yantras) was a mandala-like sort of mat complete with center foot steps said to invite deities to enter into the room.  Hindu households especially create rangolis outside their door ways during celebrations.
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast

*Note:  One also can find Rangoli Color Books and Rangoli Coloring Pages and much more on line.

At the Brooklyn Museum art work from Patel's deity book was used on tiny cards attached to strings that youngsters could chose to wear to find particular "Avatars" of Vishnu at the museum.
Most likely Sanjay's site, "Gheehappy.com," was busy after that show with its shop full of gods and goddess books, posters, t-shirts, and free Ganesha Color Kit.

Patel Finds His Religion

In a 2007 interview with David I. Miller "Finding My Religion" done almost nine years before "Sanjay's Super Team" Patel in answer to which god or goddess he particularly liked answered, "I like Vishnu a lot.  He reincarnates himself 10 times in the form of various avatars or reborn gods to right injustices in the world."  And in answer to which god or goddess his family favored Patel related Durga was the mother goddess his dad worshipped.  Patel said, "I really like her ... she is one of my favorites." 

Patel even shares during middle school, a Christian friend invited him to his church.  How sad that Sanjay never found the God that said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)  By the time "Sanjay's Super Team" aired, Patel had made great progress in reconnecting with his Hindu heritage as well as reconciling with his dad.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/FINDING-MY-RELIGION-A-Pixar-animator-gets-back-2623367.php

Seven Minute Short Hypes Hinduism

As much as this film tugs at one's heart with its depiction of immigrant Sanjay trying to fit into a
Western culture, this short glorifies Hinduism and its deities and opens the doorway wide for
more shorts, and more movies to be made in the name of culture, color, inclusion, and religion ready to influence every age toward acceptance of its meditative practices. 

Therefore, as born again Christian teachers, parents, and grandparents it behooves us to teach our children exactly what is really being presented in this film-not super heroes but pagan idols.  To do this one must teach children Scripture relating to idolatry so they will be able to discern between truth and error.  In addition, we must warn others how movies have radically changed and one must be alert, and informed so as to be able to stand up for truth!

So may you, and I determine as Deuteronomy 5:32 admonishes, "Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."  And may we be "narrow road" runners in this race!

Learn to Discern Granny Verses: Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thine children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

For More Information:  Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana

Don't miss Caryl Matrisciana's riveting book Out of India telling how she grew up in India experiencing Hinduism every day.  Here's just a little sample of three paragraph's describing Hindu deities she saw firsthand.  "Every little shop and street vendor's cart we passed was cluttered with photos, paintings, or idols of fierce-looking gods.  These deities were adorned with garlands of marigolds.  Sticks of incense burned in front of them.  Shiva, Vishnu, Kali, and Durga were the ones I immediately recognized because they were most frequently worshiped.

Some of the other gods had bodies of half-animals or trees.  Others had faces of monkeys and elephants.  And there was always the snake.  Sometimes it was entwined around the gods.  Sometimes it covered them in protection.  It always made goose bumps run up my arms.  It looked scary.

Kali stuck her tongue out, blood dripping everywhere.  She wore dozens of skulls around her neck ...  All this frightened me.  These gods looked so threatening!  How I asked myself, could people worship such terrifying deities?"  pp.37-38

Order from:
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LTP&Product_Code=OIA&Category_Code=BKS

Note:  Should you wish to see this short yourself it is possible to purchase The Good Dinosaur movie which contains Sanjay's Super Team on its bonus section. 

Mandala Color Books: Conduits to New Age Meditation

Mandala Color Books: Conduits to New Age Meditation

Adult coloring has recently become a national passion.  Proof of this can be found in any book store where the first thing you'll see upon entering are shelves brimming with every kind of color book imaginable.  And congregated around these shelves you'll find enthusiastic colorists who'll be eager to share how enjoyable this current color fad can be.  And like many others it may not be long until you'll be picking up a book or two just to try it out.

Now, from your first examination of these color books you'll note they aren't like the color books of your youth, for at least half of them are distinctly New Age in look, and content.  And second, you'll note that they almost all purport to help calm, soothe, de-stress, and relax you into a meditative state.  Finally, you'll soon discover some of these intriguing books have tantalizing patterns called "mandalas" that will entice you to look at them over and over.  These mesmerizing "sacred circles"  are designed to visually take you to their centers to discover "Your Higher Self."  And yes they are deceptive, and no they aren't Christian!

So be aware that there are many seductive 'spiritual' color books out there both for adults and children alike.  Thus, should you decide on trying out some coloring, or buying some for others, one should ponder the Biblical warning from Psalm 101:3 that states: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." And because "mandalas" have a hidden agenda this article is written to inform colorists, and non colorists exactly what they are, and what they are made for.

Sacred Circle Mandalas: Conduits to Meditation

A mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit--a sacred circle, or container that uses alluring symbols, dazzling colors, and mystical patterns.  Alberta Hutchinson, in the Mystical Mandala Color Book (Dover) defines mandalas this way: "symmetrical geometric designs which are traditionally used for meditative purposes by drawing our eye to the center of the circle."  A Little Mandalas (Dover) color book calls them "mystical motifs which symbolize the universe, wholeness, and eternity."  And a kids' color book: My First Mandalas (Dover) by Anna Pomaska maintains mandalas are a Far Eastern tradition with "intriguing centers and fascinating focal points."  In summary, "Mandala" from "Religionfacts.com" says, "Simply stated, a mandala is a sacred geometric figure that represents the universe.  When completed a mandala becomes a sacred area that serves as a receptacle for deities and a collection point of universal forces. By mentally entering a mandala and proceeding to its center, a person is symbolically guided through the cosmos to the essence of reality."
http://www.relgionfacts.com/mandala

Mandalas are a visual tool to take one into a meditative state just as mantras are a vocal tool to lead one into emptying one's mind.  As one repeatedly gazes, contemplates, looks upon, stares at the mandala while following its hypnotic patterns it can have the effect of relaxing the person into an altered state, or even a trance.

Speaking of a "meditative state" on December 12, 2015 the Orlando Sentinel had this front page article: "Adults Find Meditative State Coloring Away Stresses of Life" by Bethany Rogers.  The accompanying photo showed grandmotherly types coloring "Color Me Calm" pages at the Minneola Schoolhouse Library.  This was but one of four "Color Me Calm"* sessions where ladies gathered sipping tea, coloring, and listening to a flute tune titled "Morning Stillness."

The article noted that of the top twenty selling books on Amazon.com ten of these were adult color books.  It also said these books had page after page of intricately drawn mandalas, animals, inspirational phrases, and woodland scenery.  The article quotes devotee of Zen meditation Gabe Coeli, co-founder of Blue Star Coloring Books, who in the middle of the day often takes a short cut to mindfulness by doing a little coloring. 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/12/13/adult-coloring-books-stress/76916842/

*  The name of a color book: Color Me Calm

Buddhist Sand Mandalas

A must-see mandala You Tube video "Tibetan Buddhist Mandala" (July, 8, 2011) is a good jumping off point into understanding the background, and true meaning of mandalas.  After viewing the short video below, read the accompanying description by Karen H. Sallick.

In her vivid depiction Sallick walks one through the process of how the monks funnel hand-ground precious stones onto a grid to create magnificent mandalas.  Sallick points out that every aspect of a mandala has a meaning.  Its center represents "The Buddha of Compassion" while  the next circle contains four different Buddhas.  After, there's a circle of lotus leaves, and as Sallick says, "The family of Buddhas that are in the center are sitting in a ring of lotus." 

Outside those circles comes a protection ring keeping one from negative thoughts; and finally, comes a fire ring helping one burn through ignorance into enlightenment.  No sooner do the monks complete their mandala masterpiece, than all its deities are swept away into an offering vase.  This deity offering is then dumped into flowing water to spread its blessings back to earth.  Buddhists believe all who have watched the construction, and destruction of the sand mandala can gain merit, and take on the Buddha nature.  Recall Biblical deities were dumped into water too, not as offerings but because they were idolatrous-the work of man's hands!
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/?p=4423

Shakti Color Book's Goddesses and Mandalas

A look at Ekabhumi C. Ellik's color book should be an awakening to any who are considering mandala coloring. To view this color book with Bhuvaneshvari, the goddess of spaciousness, regent of manifest creation, and universal earth mother on its cover go to Amazon.com or on Facebook under: The Shakti Color Book.

On its Facebook page you'll see pictures from the book colored by people who post them to the site.
One very disturbing post showed a child posing as a goddess while her mom told how obsessed with the goddesses her child was.  Ellik's reply to this mother was, "I'm so happy to contribute to helping girls recognize their inner divinity."  A comment below read, "Beautiful little goddess, keep that feeling."  Another post photo showed a young girl proudly holding up a goddess in a mandala she'd colored.

YogaDork's article: "Grab Your Crayon's and Say Om: Coloring Art as a Meditative Practice" has an excerpt from Ellik's book.  In it Ellik speaks of the goddesses depicted in the book by saying, "The goddesses who appear in the The Shakti Color Book encompass the entire spectrum of cosmic phenomena, mirroring our most expansive Self. ... Their mystic diagrams--their mandalas and yantras --have a powerful influence on our awareness when we mediate upon them and visualize them internally.  Our energy body is repatterned ... helping us to recognize behaviors that our of alignment with our most expansive nature, which is the Goddess herself."
http://yogadork.com

Ellik has also begun a "Shiva Color Book."  And Ellik asks readers: "What images ... forms of Shiva ... related deities ... mandalas or yantras ... should be included?"  Ellik also invites all to join him at an "Embrace Your Shakti: A Yoga Coloring Workshop" where they can begin their New Year with some goddess power.

In an August 2015 comment Ellik sums up the purpose of his color book when he says, "it's an opportunity to introduce sacred art as an intrinsic part of YOGIC practice to a HUGE number of people who may think it's only stretching and feeling calm."  He also notes,  "... to have readers introduced to this book is a great way to help shift public opinion away from yoga-is-exercise-to-look-and-feel-good-and-back-toward, well YOGA."  Ellik gives us a truth many undiscerning Christians are not acknowledging about yoga and mandalas!  Think about it!
http://www.facebook.com/shakticoloringbook

Carl Jung's Mandalas

It was Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung who helped bring "mandala making and mandala meditation" to the West.  His classic mandala work Mandala Symbolism is named as a resource by the Mandala Project.  Here's an article "Psychology of the Mandala" from Creatingmandalas.com that tells how Jung used mandalas himself, and how he used them with his clients.  This is the same Carl Jung who had a life-time spirit guide named "Philemon."  For more about Jung's life from a Christian vantage point read the transcript from the John Ankerburg Show: "The Seduction of Christianity Part I" by Johanna Michaelson and Dave Hunt done in 1985.
http://creatingmandalas.com/psychology-of-the-mandala
https://www.jashow.org/articles/general/the-seduction-of-christianity-program-1/


Color Book Mandalas: Conduits to Meditation for Kids of All Ages

Children's Mandala Color Books and More:

Joy Mandalas
"Mandalas of Joy for Children" offers thirty free color pages that will free the child's mind to think out of the box, for they say there's is no right or wrong way to color.
http://mandalacoloringmeditation.com/mandala-coloring/free-children-coloring-pages/
 
Crayola Crayon Mandalas 
Crayola offers a school plan to enable kids to work in groups of four to create a large mandala just as the monks used to do.  Make that "just as the monks do today!"
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/school-mandala-lesson-plan/

Preschool Printable Mandalas 
Preschool mandalas are available from Education.com. so even the youngest colorists will become familiar with the term "mandala." http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/mandalas/

Meditation Mandalas
Do You Yoga tells kids their whole body is a "mandala" with its center being their "belly button."  Kids, in a "child's pose," color mandalas with quiet background music.  The site advises when a mandala is finished hang it up, and use it for meditation.  It suggests one breathe deeply, gaze at the center of the Mandala, and let thoughts and emotions come without following them.  Then, "slowly dive deeper into the center of the Mandala and into the harmony and love it represents."  And Do You Yoga says kids from five and up can participate.
http://www.doyouyoga.com/mandala-coloring-meditation-for-kids-96460/

Rainbow Mandalas
Rainbow Crystal Connection describes how kids can make a "Rainbow Mandala."  The author says "When I explain Mandalas to kids I tell them they are a reflection of 'you'-of how you are feeling and how complex and beautiful you are."
http://www.rainbowcrystalconnection.com/2011/11/05/mandalas-with-kids-part-1/

Activity Book Mandalas
Everyday Mandala for Children is a series of activity books designed for ages four and up based on "The Shichida Method" that uses mandalas with youngsters that requires them to capture the image of a Mandala within seconds, and apply the colors onto an uncolored Mandala.  The method boasts even a child of two can do it.  Its method includes holding a Mandala against a plain wall, asking a child to stare at the Mandala focusing on its center, and then visualizing it in their mind.  Children are told to hold that image there as long as possible.  And suggests the article you as an adult should also join in.
http://www.homeeducation.sg/

Guided Meditation Mandalas
A teacher taught mandala art and meditation to a group of first-third graders "which took to mandalas very easily."  Her simple guided meditation had the kids drawing their inner flower, their inner sun, inner light, and peace.
http://www.michelefaia.com/classes/class-schedule/class-photos-art/childrens-mandalas/

Dream Music Mandalas
"Pure Relaxation for Children" produces a You Tube video of mesmerizing music with vibrant mandalas shown in kaleidoscopic fashion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv97d5l9SHg

Kids' Magical Mandalas
German author Arena Verlag has created a color book Kids' Magical Mandalas found on Amazon.com.  A "Look Inside" note reads, "When kids start to color ... magic happens.  Suddenly they quiet down, become deeply drawn into the image ....  The reason: all the patterns are evenly distributed around a center ... of balance and harmony that no youngster can resist."
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Magical-Mandalas-Arena-Verlag/dp/1402717210

My First Mandalas
Anna Pomaska's color book My First Mandalas says this book is an invitation for little artists to experience mandalas.  Its "Note" inside states mandalas were once used for healing and offerings but now they are "just for fun."  False, for as this paper proves they are very definitely made for other than fun!
http://www.amazon.com/First-Mandalas-Coloring-Dover-Books/dp/048646556X

Kids' Mandalas
Arena Verlag has a second Kids' Mandalas color book which brags, "This isn't a color book--it's a calming book with beautiful patterns and inviting images that help kids concentrate."  Ah, there is that bait again this will help youngsters calm down, de-stress, and chill out so they will surely focus better.  Don't buy it.

Mindfulness Mandalas
Here's a piece from Kids' Yoga Resource that tells how middle schoolers form a circle with mats to create a "sacred space."  Into this they quietly create a mandala from found objects as stones, shells and so on as soft music is played in the background.  They dismiss with a savasana or "corpse pose," and a "Namaste" or "I bow to the god in you, and you bow to the god in me."
http://www.thekidsyogaresource.com/2010/04/experiencing-mindfulness-through-mandalas-a-meditative-activity-for-children.html

Easy Mandalas
Free for the printing a site offers easy mandala coloring pages for kids, and even adults with various styles and themes. http://www.free-mandalas.net/niveaux-de-difficulte/easy-children/

Active Meditation Mandalas
An article From Kids Growing Up Psychic Series by psychic Melissa Leath details how she uses "active meditation" or anything that keeps kids focused and calm as e.g. making mandalas.  Afterward kids softly stare at their mandala while trying not to blink.  As they breathe in and out, Leath explains, "a shift" comes while colors in the mandala seem to change and move.  At this point, says Leath, kids will feel energy flowing from the mandala.  They are then to close their eyes to see an inner vision, and to feel more energy.  And so Leath a medium, mentor, and author leads kids into her psychic world. http://shaheenmiroinsights.com/2015/03/30/active-meditation-for-kids-creating-your-own-mandala-by-melissa-leath/

Momma 'N Manila's Meditation Mandalas
In "Meditating With Children" a yoga teacher uses many meditative methods such as meditation with a felt heart during  chakra lessons, and meditation with mandalas they have created.
http://www.mommanmanila.com/meditating-with-children/

Everyone's Mandalas
Psychotherapist Monique Mandali has written a series Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book: Vol.1-3 created for all ages 4-104.  About one someone wrote, "Finally a coloring book for kids and adults.  I bought one for my grandson and my 85-year-old mother ... they both love it!"   Of mandala meditation Mandali said, "The act of coloring the mandala is all about connecting with it as a calmer, peaceful, more balanced version of yourself ... (so) take a deep meditative breath and step into the circle."  http://www.mandali.com/  and http://www.mandali.com/uses/

A Billion Peace Mandalas
Mandali has also created a Peace Mandala Coloring Book with twenty-five mandalas with the help of kids ages 6-15 from around the world.  This book, maintains Mandali, will help spread the seed of harmony for the next 1000 years!  An inner city school teacher shares how her entire school is now making peace mandalas crediting Mandali with saying "it may take a billion peace mandalas to bring tranquility to human kind."  And a pediatric neurologist testifies, "My doctor's office is full of Monique's colored mandalas."  How clever to create "mandalas" under the guise of peace.  As Christians we know that there will be no peace until The Prince of Peace returns!

Monkeymind and Mandalas
The Toronto District Schools features "Meet the Self" for kids K-6 that includes "Monkeymind" an excitable puppet who has trouble with self-regulation.  In hour long sessions kids do mindfulness, breathing, regulation methods, and meditation.  To end the course kids make a whole-group mandala.
http://meettheself.com/classes/monkeymind-and-me-a-mindfulness-course-for-children/

Mandala Project Mandalas
The Mandala Project dedicates itself to promoting peace through art and education.  If one clicks onto its intertwining mandala logo you can learn of: "About the Project," "What Is a Mandala," "Links and Resources," "Education," "What's New," "The Labyrinth Project," and "Mandalas."  The Mandala Project also hosts: "Circling the Curriculum: Mandala Workshop" for teachers on how to insert the mandala into every aspect of the curriculum.  All sorts of lesson plans are offered as "Mandala Storymap" using mandalas as a tool for reading, or "Middle School Mandalas" using mandalas in math and history.  Its links/ resources provide such New Spirituality materials as e.g. Judith Cornell's "Mandala Healing Kit" with a workbook and guided CD of Cornell's meditations.  All of this is at the fingertips of  teachers ready to be used with innocent children to introduce them to a variety of New Age practices!  Be on the alert!  http://www.mandalaproject.org/Index.html

There are even more children's mandala materials that can't be listed here; but the bottom line is that the mandala coloring craze is not just an adult coloring book problem, it is being used  with children and teens.  Be watchful!  Teach your children what these seducing circles really are about!


Adult Mandala Color Books and More

Coloring Mandalas
Susanne F. Fincher, founder of Creatingmandalas.com., Presbyterian, Jungian psychotherapist, counselor, art therapist, author mandala books, and mandala intensives has led thousands to the spiritual, psychological and health enhancing dimensions of creating mandalas.  Author of four Coloring Mandalas books by Shambhala Publishing Fincher's first book, Coloring Mandalas 1: For Healing and Self-Expression, says that as a symbol of Self, the mandala connects us to our innermost being.  These mandalas are organized according to the "Great Round of the Mandala"-- a scheme of twelve archetypal stages of human growth.  http://creatingmandalas.com/susanne-f-fincher

Coloring Mandalas 3: Circles of the Sacred Feminine is totally pagan beginning with "Prayer to the Earth Mother."  Inside notes tell the colorist to consider these sacred images holy, and to set aside a sacred space to work on them.  Doing this will allow their "harmonious designs" to kick in just as their ancient chants will resonate within one in calming and revitalizing ways.  And says an "introductory description" of this idolatrous book: "Coloring the circular designs ... is a relaxing, meditative activity enjoyed by adults and children alike.  ...  The mandalas in this book are ... designed to provide a creative encounter with the Divine as a feminine presence."

Three-D Mandalas
Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, of the UK , is an author of a number of mandala books including the Mindful Mandala Colouring Book that contains seventy-eight meditative mandalas each containing an "elaborate explanation" and a "guided meditation."  A reviewer, "Colour with Claire" declares "it (colour book) does feel like a bible for mandala lovers." 

Besides the colour books, Tenzin-Dolma has also put together a 3D multimedia mandala kit for lovers of sacred patterns as well as meditators where one can put on 3D specs, drop in a CD, and follow a step-by-step guide into mandala contemplation.
http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Mandala-Coloring-Book-Contemplation/dp/1780289197

Color Me Calm Mandalas
A Zen Coloring Book, Color Me Calm by Lacy Mucklow, author and art therapist, has 100 coloring templates for meditation and relaxation.  It has seven therapeutically themed chapters beginning with "Mandalas" and ending with "Spirituality."  Of this very popular color book it is said, Color Me Calm is a guided color book for harried adults."
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Calm-Templates-Meditation-Relaxation/dp/1937994775

Reading Session Mandalas
The Mandala Lady, Maureen Frank, is a mandala artist and intuitive reader, who does channeled visualization "Mandala Reading Sessions" for customers via Skype or telephone.  Maureen relates that during a Reiki session she was told she wasn't into the creative side of her brain, and she should get herself a color book.  Maureen did.  Later, at a New Age book store she came upon mandalas.  First she colored them, but soon she began to create them.  And then it was on to meditating on them, and soon she had "mandala messages" for others.  Now, she creates daily, week, monthly, and yearly mandalas as well as a whole line of "color your own" cards, prints, and color books.
http://themandalalady.com/bio/

I Love Mandalas
Jim Gogarty, of iheartmandalas.com (I Love Mandalas) calls himself "Mandala Jim."  Gogarty began drawing mandalas in 2005 after a spiritual awakening during meditation.  This meditative moment catapulted Jim into the mandala making business with its "About Mandalas," "Simple/Advanced Mandalas," "Mandala Tutorials," "Mandala Clothing," (Kids too!), and "Mandala Prints and Merchandise." 

Jim is the author of The Mandala Coloring Book with its 100 mandala coloring pages.  "This book," asserts Gogarty, "encourages you to use your imagination to create vibrant patterns that bring you closer to your true self."  Its "Introduction" attests, "By mentally 'entering' the mandala and moving toward its center, one is guided through the cosmic process of disintegration."  Its intro ends with this tidbit, "A clear mind and healthy body are just a meditation away, so pick up your pencil."
http://www.iheartmandalas.com/

In Love with Mandalas
Christina, a mandala mom, records she came across mandalas by accident when buying a mandala color book for her son.  Instantly drawn to it she next went out and bought a mandala one for herself, and now is in love with it!  She recommends you too try out this amazing mandala coloring by sampling pages from Alberta Hutchinson's Mystical Mandala Coloring Book --the one with the dazzling sun mandala on its cover.  An inside "Note" contends, "These exotic mandalas hold a special significance and provide a focal point for meditation."
http://www.amazon.com/Mystical-Mandala-Coloring-Dover-Design/dp/0486456943

Sacred Art Mandalas
Michal Beaucaire and Paul Heussenstamm's The Art of Mandala Meditation unlock what mandalas are made for--meditation.  A "Look Inside" this book reveals its true New Age colors.  Its back cover reveals Paul has been a spiritual artist for years now traveling with the Deepak Chopra Center.  One glance at Paul's web page, "Mandalas.com" will set off alarm bells signaling this is a site full of "sacred art" ready to seduce and entice any naïve colorist. http://www.mandalas.com/

One of the mandalas Paul creates, is the Hindu Sri Yantra a type of mandala with a Bindu center, of which he writes, "This pattern is considered the 'Mother' of all mandalas ..." 

Michal wrote that when she selected Paul as her artist she visited his site "Mandalas.com" and found 2,000 mandalas to pick from in just the right colors and shapes for each meditation in the book.  Michal shares, "The colors of each mandala bear the right energetic frequency of the meditation ....  For example, all inner strength meditations are in yellow ....  Yellow is the color of the Solar Plexus Chakra, and the essence of 'I' is connected to this chakra."
http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Mandala-Meditation-Designs/dp/1440541140

Healing Mandalas
A Steven Vrancken in "Your Introduction of the Healing Powers of Mandala Color Pages" spells out the powers behind the mandala in this quote that says, "I awaken to the power of the mandala, A sacred circle of light and energy, A pathway to center--to my center and to the Universal All, A channel for healing body, mind, and spirit." 
https://mandalacoloringmeditation.com/mandala-coloring/mandala-articles/about-mandala-coloring-healing/

Meditative Mandalas
David Fontana has written Meditating with Mandalas: 52 New Mandalas to Help You Grow in Peace and Awareness.  Fontana maintains that the mandala is like a mirror that helps to do discover who we are. ... Like a mirror it accepts all that it sees."  Every mandala like others mentioned is accompanied by a guided meditation.  Speaking of a mirror, it is the Word of God that is like a mirror which reveals our true nature as a sinner falling short of the glory of God.
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/reviews/view/9635


Prayer Circle Mandalas: Conduits to Prayer for Contemplatives

Sunday School Mandalas
Baptist Global News Asst. Editor Jeff Brumley wrote a piece: "Adult Coloring Books Emerging as Popular Spiritual Practice."  How so?  Brumbley says, "Using crayons ... to focus the mind while praying or to contemplate Scripture can be as beneficial as walking a prayer labyrinth or creating an icon, say ministers of spiritual formation."

Brumley goes on to say that Blake Burleson, his co-editor and senior lecturer in religion at Baylor University, who with spiritual formation minister at Freemason St. Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia Michael Sciretti Jr., wrote Entemplating: Baptist Wisdom for Contemplative Prayer, teaches that praying while coloring puts the mind on hold while elevating the role of the heart in prayer.  Burleson also states, "Every religion uses art to express itself--whether it's an icon, a mandala, calligraphy, or a cave painting."  Maybe, Burleson should turn to Ezekiel 8 to see what the Lord had
to say about idolatrous wall art in the temple!

Burleson confides he uses various contemplative practice while teaching Sunday school.  He writes, "I'll bring in a mandala ... read Scripture ... and (we) color the mandala."  Burleson says such practices especially appeal to young adults, for in our spiritual lives certain forms become boring.  Note; A Carl Jung mandala reproduced by Burleson accompanies this Baptist article.
https://baptistnews.com/culture/item/30471-adult-coloring-books-emerging-as-popular-spiritual-practice

Hands-on-Mandalas 
How about a "Pray-date" with hands-on mandala prayers?  Rev. Sharon Garner, a United Methodist pastor and Ignatian Spiritual Director, suggests this.  Garner also conducts "Praying Mandala Sessions" with one to be at a Jesuit Retreat House as well as a United Church of Christ location.  To further her mandala cause she's written: Praying with Mandalas: Contemplative Coloring for Contemporary Christians.  Here the mandala becomes a "tool" to enter a contemplative state, and to do contemplative prayer!
http://www.bellyofthewhaleministries.net/directors-welcome/



Faith Circle Mandalas
Bro. Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS in "Faith Circles" in America Magazine in October 2012 wrote of the mystic St. Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine spiritual guide, who chanted meditative melodies and painted circle mandalas.  This mandala making, says McGrath, will allow one to paint, and pray at the same time.  McGrath reflects, "The process leads the painter to deeper levels of self-awareness and to the presence of God within."

In addition, McGrath notes, "The time spent creating a mandala is a mini-retreat that teaches me to be still and listen to the quiet voice within.  As Teresa of Avila used to say, 'God cannot rest in an unquiet heart.'"  http://americamagazine.org/issue/5155/art/faith-circles

UK Kids' Mandalas 
This UK Hallem Diocese admires Hildegard's sacred circular drawings too. The article then mentions that a number of schools are now using Mandalas as part of their spiritual curriculum, where a whole school "stills" and "calms down" while listening to meditative music as they make mandala booklets.
http://hallam-diocese.com/

Devonzine Magazine Mandalas
In "Color Yourself Closer to God" Robin Pippin from the Upper Room's Devonzine shares that while working with a child's spirituality program, "The Way of the Child" by Wynn McGregor that she discovered mandalas.  Pippin contends, "The purpose of coloring mandalas is spiritual ... designed to bring me closer to God and to get in touch with my heart."  Yes, in touch with one's Higher Self as New Agers call it!  See Ray Yungen's book For Many Shall Come in My Name chapter one for an explanation of what "The Higher Self" entails!
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=NA

Pippin points out that prayer circles focus our attention on one thing thus producing relaxation. In a "Dig Deeper" section Pippen suggests teens try out coloring a mandala.  She directs: get a Bible, light a candle, and color a mandala.  If more mandalas are needed she tells the reader to click on a place labeled "Patterns."  This will bring one to June Moon's "Free Visionary Art"   "This art," says June, "is my gift to you."  And what a New Age pagan gift that is: Mandalas, Kitchen Kali, Wave of Bliss, Ganesha 01, Sri Yantra, Shiva Yantra, Fractal Heart, and more.  Imagine a teen, or teacher coming upon this art site while using this magazine!
http://devozine.upperroom.org/spiritual-practices/color-yourself-closer-to-god/

As a Side Note: "The Way of the Child" teaches contemplative techniques to young children in quiet peaceful rooms lit with a candle.  The children go to reflection stations such as "gazing" or "contemplation at the sand table."  At the sound of a chime the kids move on to a circle for discussion ending in a calm, peaceful exit.  At every step these lessons reflect New Age overtones.



Prayer Space Mandalas 
In "Upper Room Ministries Current News, Stories, and Insights" an article "Creating Prayer Spaces"
lists twelve sacred spaces where one can renew the soul in times of busyness, and as you guessed "Mandala-God at the Center" was one.  There was also "The Blessing Bowl," "Audio Lectio," and "Drumbeat of Mercy" among others.  http://voices.upperroom.org/prayerspaces/

A Monstrance Mandala
Kathryn Costa, mandala artist, designed "Mandala Inspired by Monstrance" that she found at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Manchester, NH. An article "Prayer, Adoration, and Mandalas" from a Heart to Heart Column (November 2015) tells of Costa's art, and names different ways to pray which "also incorporates from the Eastern traditions of creating a mandala as an expression of contemplative and intercessory prayer."  It also notes that just creating a mandala can be a meditation to help one maintain order and balance.  The article ends with a sample presentation as to how to project the mandala image, listen to relaxing music, color and pray with the mandala monstrance page, and finally, practice Eucharistic Adoration.   Read about Costa, and her book: The Mandala  Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Mandala Art at  www.100mandalas.com .

Contemplative Cottage Mandalas
The author who works with theology grad students writes this, "When I began doing 'Sabbath Space' with the ... students I filled the air with yummy candle scents and had quiet corners set aside for peaceful reflection. ... But people need a little guidance ... so I went looking for something like a coloring book for adults.  Instead, I found hundreds of mandalas on the internet ... intricate geometric shapes just begging to be colored."  http://contemplativecottage.com/tag/mandalas/

New Way to Pray Mandalas
In "Coloring IS a Spiritual Practice" the Rev. Dr. L. Roger Owens contends during his spiritual formation retreats he'd notice a few people "will be bent over their desks with intricate mandalas in front of them ... listening to me ...." as they color.  Now does Owens feel these "poor souls" are being duped by falling for this new color fad?  Does Owens feel they should be "engaging in a real spiritual practice like praying or reading Scripture?"  "No," says Rev. Dr. Owens, "I give thanks that they are discovering a way of prayer their churches never taught them, but that is helping them listen to God and be present to others.  And when I enter Barnes and Nobles ... I only hope that more Christians might discover this practice and deepen their lives with God."

Now Owens, after thinking of the Biblical Martha's distractibility, reflected:  "Do you know what Martha needs?  A color book."  A coloring book, avows Owens, is just a form of "mindfulness practice."  However, mindfulness is a practice based on Zen Buddhism.  Read more here:
"Mindfulness: No-Mind Over Matter" from Stand Up for Truth. http://standupforthetruth.com/2012/02/mindfulness-no-mind-over-matter/ 
http://www.pts.edu/blog/coloring-books-spiritual-practice/

Color Me Discerning, or Color Me Deceived: Which Will It Be?

We're in the midst of  "a meditation invasion via color books" --and specifically through mandala
color books and like New Age books as I've shown in this article.  My question is if you've already bought into this color book craze under the guise of finding relaxation, and calm will you continue as a deceived colorist, or will you become a discerning one?  Will you understand that although coloring is not evil in and of itself, if it leads one into idolatrous sacred circles or like images then one must be very careful not to get entangled in this color book web.  May we, as the Lord warned in the Old Testament, "... Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols;  turn away your faces from all your abominations."  Ezekiel 14:6.  And may we strive to become discerning, rather than deceived.

Mandala circles will not give one true rest, or peace, or hope for this can only be found through the Lord Jesus who said,  "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28   May our desire be to do as the old hymn admonishes: "Turn your eyes unto Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."        

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Psalm 119:37
"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."

For More Information:

Light House Trails Books: For Many Shall Come in My Name  by Ray Yungen.
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=NA

Light  House Trails: "Question to the Editor: Any Information on Adult Coloring Books?"
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18387s

"The Connection between Mantras, Mandalas, and Spiritism" by Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon (c.1999)
https://www.jashow.org/articles/new-age/the-connection-between-mantras-mandalas-and-spiritism/