mandala
Americannoun
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Oriental Art. a schematized representation of the cosmos, chiefly characterized by a concentric configuration of geometric shapes, each of which contains an image of a deity or an attribute of a deity.
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(in Jungian psychology) a symbol representing the effort to reunify the self.
noun
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Hindu & Buddhist art any of various designs symbolizing the universe, usually circular
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psychol such a symbol expressing a person's striving for unity of the self
Etymology
Origin of mandala
First recorded in 1855–60, mandala is from the Sanskrit word maṇḍala circle
Explanation
A mandala is a symbol of the universe for many Buddhists and Hindus. Most mandalas have colorful, detailed geometric patterns or designs. Mandalas are a type of religious and spiritual art with a deep significance for many people. As a symbol of the cosmos or universe, a traditional mandala is a square containing a circle, and the entire design is symmetrical and balanced. Some spiritual traditions use mandalas for meditation or for marking a spiritual space. The word mandala itself simply means "circle" in Sanskrit.
Vocabulary lists containing mandala
South Asia - Middle School and High School
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History of India - Introductory
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History of India - Middle School and High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the morning of 8 September, she arrived at Maitighar Mandala, a huge traffic island in central Kathmandu with several of her friends.
From BBC • Sep. 16, 2025
A new economic report published by the alliance and the consulting firm Mandala Partners found that early detection of fires could reduce annual direct fire damage costs by approximately $1.2 billion across the U.S.,
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024
Danang Mandala Prihantoro, a spokesperson for Lion Air, said the airline “has taken preventive steps” by grounding the planes and is “carrying out further inspections on the mid-cabin emergency exit door.”
From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2024
Tune in to the Mandala Makers Festival, an annual event that celebrates multidisciplinary South Asian artists.
From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2021
The word Mandala has been explained below in verse 5.
From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 4 Books 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
