1: a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe; specifically : a circle enclosing a square with a deity on each side that is used chiefly as an aid to meditation.
2: a graphic and often symbolic pattern usually in the form of a circle divided into four separate sections or bearing a multiple projection of an image.
In Tantric Hinduism and Buddhism (see Vajrayana), a diagram representing the universe, used in sacred rites and as an instrument of meditation. The mandala serves as a collection point for universal forces. By mentally “entering” the mandala and moving toward its centre, one is guided through the cosmic processes of disintegration and reintegration. Mandalas may be painted on paper or cloth, drawn on the ground, or fashioned of bronze or stone. Two types of mandalas represent different aspects of the universe: the garbha-dhatu (“womb world”), in which the movement is from one to the many, and the vajra-dhatu (“diamond world”), from the many into one.
This is a fairly concise and clear description of what a traditional mandala form means, however, as with most symbols, the form has been adopted by other cultures and in many circmstances it no longer holds its sacred meaning. Traditionally Buddhist monks will work on a mandala collectively (as a group of 4), and will only be allowed into the 3 year long process after they have studied artistic and philosophical practices. The process requires meditative concentration and is a balanced construction with each monk working on their own quadrant in synchronisation with the others.
The mandala is traditionally made out of coloured sands, and at the end of the lengthy process it is customary for the image to be destroyed, often by throwing the sands into a nearby stream to distribute the positive energies. This process, although it seems destructive and unfair, is to remind the monks of the important fact that everything is impermanent - a central Buddhist teaching.
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