Mandalas can be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life. It is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian religions, representing the universe.
The meaning of mandala comes from Sanskrit meaning circle.. Even though it may be dominated by squares or triangles, a mandala has a concentric structure. Mandalas offer balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony. The meanings of individual mandalas is usually different and unique to each mandala.  In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe. The Rajamandala (or Raja-mandala ; circle of states) was formulated by the Indian author Kautilya in his work on politics, the Arthashastra (written between 4th century BC and 2nd century AD). It describes circles of friendly and enemy states surrounding the king's state. Mandalas can be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life. Mandalas can also tell a story of where an individual has been. In some cases they will reveal the individual's path in life. Groups can create mandalas that will reveal what they should be doing in order to grow and develop as a group. A Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds. The mandala appears to us in all aspects of life, the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and more obviously the circles of life encompassing friends, family and communities. A mandala is a complex abstract design that is usually circular in form. In fact, mandala is a Sanskrit word that means circle. Mandalas generally have one identifiable center point, from which emanates an array of symbols, shapes and forms.  Mandala (Sanskrit Maṇḍala, 'circle') is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian religions, representing the universe. The basic form of most mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T. Mandalas often exhibit radial balance. The Rajamandala (or Raja-mandala ; circle of states) was formulated by the Indian author Kautilya in his work on politics, the Arthashastra (written between 4th century BC and 2nd century AD). It describes circles of friendly and enemy states surrounding the king's state. The word Mandala (pronunciation mon-dah-lah) means circle. A Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds. The mandala appears to us in all aspects of life, the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and more obviously the circles of life encompassing friends, family and communities. In Sanskrit, an ancient language of India, the word mandala means circle, center, or sometimes sacred circle. Webster s Dictionary defines it as a design symbolizing the universe. Mandalas are found throughout the world, in Native American cultures, India, Buddhism, Middle East, Asia, Australia, and Egypt. Many are also found in churches, such as the north and south stained-glass rose windows of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Loosely translated to mean circle, a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds. micro to macro Representing the universe itself, a mandala is both the microcosm and the macrocosm, and we are all part of its intricate design. The mandala is more than an image seen with our eyes; it is an actual moment in time. It can be can be used as a vehicle to explore art, science, religion and life itself. What Are Mandalas. . . Mandalas are one of the oldest religious art forms known to Humanity. Translated, mandala means circle-a symbol of completeness-the most perfect medium in which to present a picture of yourself. They are painting like patterns within the boundary of a circle. The word itself comes from Sanskrit and is also translated as both the centre, and the outer edge of a circle simultaneously.
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what are mandalas