This meditation was delivered at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Ames, Iowa. It was written in response to the mandala "Seventy=Seven Times by Lauren Wright Pittman (seen below).
The Mandala Effect
Perhaps you’ve heard of the phenomenon known as the Mandela effect? The term is used to describe a situation where a large group of people collectively misremember facts, events, or other details in a consistent manner (Mandela Effect | Examples, Definition, & Origin | Britannica). The collective memory takes an idea, repeats it, and somehow creates truth. This can be something as innocuous as being sure the line from Star Wars is, “Luke, I am your father” when the actual line is, “No, I am your father.” But it can, of course, be more insidious- perhaps when a group of people collectively remember incorrect facts to the point of violence.
But that got me thinking about a Mandala effect instead. What if, like a mandala, this repetition and re-remembering were faithful and intentional?
A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols that is meant to be an aid to meditation, focus, and introspection (Mark). A mandala is a circle of repetition and intention that can change the creator or the viewer. A circle of repetition and intention. This circle of repetition and intention becomes a holy thing, and that is why mandalas are used in some way in almost every major religious movement. Repetition and Intention.
That brings me back to my question- what if we could create a MANDALA effect? What if we could collectively change ourselves and our communities by shifting our memories toward peace, affirmation, acceptance, equity, and love?
When I look at this piece of art, THIS mandala, that is what I see. I see a circle of repetition and intention. The repetition is forgiveness. The intention is community. In today’s reading from Matthew, Jesus challenges Peter to REPEATEDLY forgive. My guess is that Peter struggled with that response as much as I do, and I think that’s because we have been repeatedly told we must “Forgive and forget”- ahhh a Mandela effect! Jesus never said that we have to forget. “Forgive and forget” is nowhere in the bible.
Instead, forgive, and hold people accountable. Forgive, and move on in another direction. Forgive, and turn the other cheek by turning around and walking away so as to not be struck again. Forgive, and find other places of connection and community. That’s what Jesus is saying, I think. Forgive, forgive, forgive.
If we focus on a MANDALA effect, repeated acts of forgiveness and accountability can lead people into community. The circle of repetition depicted in this Mandala shows how repeated acts of forgiveness and inclusion can pull a person into community and inclusion. Jesus’ words to Peter do just that- provide repetition and intention, creating a mandala of forgiveness and community.
Repetition and Intention- it’s Holy work indeed.
