Mandala facts for kids
A mandala (emphasis on first syllable; Sanskrit मण्डल, maṇḍala – literally "circle") is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. 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 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 have radial balance.
The term appears in the Rigveda as the name of the sections of the work, and Vedic rituals use mandalas such as the Navagraha mandala to this day. Mandalas are also used in Buddhism.
In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.
Images for kids
-
Mandala of Vishnu
-
Tantric mandala of Vajrayogini
-
Chenrezig sand mandala created at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on the occasion of the Dalai Lama's visit in May 2008
-
The round window at the site of the Marsh Chapel Experiment supervised by Walter Pahnke
-
A diagramic drawing of the Sri Yantra, showing the outside square, with four T-shaped gates, and the central circle
-
Painted Bhutanese Medicine Buddha mandala with the goddess Prajnaparamita in center, 19th century, Rubin Museum of Art
-
Mandala of the Six Chakravartins
-
Vajravarahi Mandala
-
Kalachakra Mandala
-
Jain cosmological diagrams and text.
-
A mandala near the entrance to Tawang Monastery.
-
Mandala painted by a patient of Carl Jung
-
A modern mandala
-
Easy mandala
-
Mandali Mendrilla's interactive sculpture dress "Mandala of Desires" at the China Art Museum in Shanghai, November 2015
