World History EncyclopediaA Mandala (Sanskrit for “circle”) is an artistic representation of higher thought and deeper meaning given as a geometric symbol used in spiritual, emotional, or psychological work to focus one's attention. https://www.worldhistory.org/mandala/ #History #Buddhism #EsotericBuddhism #Hinduism
john lehet@whencyclopedia At least in Tibetan #Buddhist contexts, it can also reference many, many teachings and instructions. The picture is a stand-in for a whole lot of words, a mnemonic device for essentially books-worth of teachings, the way a song can be a way to remember a story.
At least in this context it’s not just something to stare at and get mesmerized, which is a common Western misconception.