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DictionarymandalaSymbolic circular design
noun

mandala

MAN-duh-luh/ˈmændələ/

A circular geometric design representing the universe, often used in meditation.

The mandala surrounds a central lotus with geometric rings and four gateways.

An isolated, carefully drawn mandala with concentric geometric rings, four cardinal gateways around a central square, and a central lotus motif; its ritual geometry distinguishes it from an ordinary decorative circle.
Etymology
mandalaSanskritdisc, circle

Sanskrit maṇḍala means “disc” or “circle,” naming the form of the Buddhist meditation symbol. Jungian psychology later adopted the mandala as a symbol of the self’s unity and completeness.

In context

Archnet26:53
notice the plan is very symbolic it is a mandala of the simplest kind and it has four axes in the four directions
Eastern Architecture: Buddhist Temples and Houses

More examples

  • The mandala represents the universe through circles and geometric patterns.
  • The monks create a mandala from colored sand.
  • These mandalas help practitioners focus their attention during meditation.

Forms

mandala · mandalas

Similar words

yantra
A sacred geometric diagram that need not be circular.
diagram
A broader term for designs explaining structures, relationships, or ideas.