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

/ ˈmændələ; mænˈdɑːlə /

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

The lines curl into dense molars and concise arabesques, like visual mantras, repeated to form airy mandalas.

From New York Times

They set up camping chairs under a bright blue sky during their session — a makeshift office without walls — and discussed how to create a circular design called a mandala.

From New York Times

One wall features several swirling mandalas pristinely plotted with a rainbow of ballpoint pens.

From New York Times

A man draws an eight-point mandala — an intricate, geometric design used in spiritual practice — to the vibrating hum of a Khmer chant.

From New York Times

Community members gathered at the site several times, building flower petal mandalas and putting up signs bearing messages such as “Save Seattle Trees.”

From Seattle Times