mandala

[ muhn-dl-uh ]

noun

1. 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.
2. (in Jungian psychology) a symbol representing the effort to reunify the self.

mandala

/ mænˈdɑːlə; ˈmændələ /

noun

1. Hindu & Buddhist art any of various designs symbolizing the universe, usually circular
2. psychol such a symbol expressing a person's striving for unity of the self

Word History and Origins

Origin of mandala¹

First recorded in 1855–60, mandala is from the Sanskrit word maṇḍala circle

Word History and Origins

Origin of mandala¹

Sanskrit: circle

Example Sentences

I only use supplies from the environment, for instance by making mandalas out of shells on the beach.

From Outside Online

One of the more striking visual demonstrations of this is the practice among Tibetan monks of constructing gorgeous sand mandalas, complex designs and patterns laboriously built over many days, after which they are ceremoniously swept away.

From Nautilus

The marriage ceremony takes place in a pandal (booth) on a raised or conspicuous place adorned with various figures or mandala.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that mandala, traded all over the world, once represented that order escapes their personal experience.

From Project Gutenberg