mandala
Meditative circular pattern
A mandala is a geometric design, typically circular, used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions as an aid to meditation.
The intricate patterns radiate from a center point, representing the universe or wholeness.
The term has broadened to include any circular design meant to focus attention or represent cosmic unity: She colored mandalas to relax, The arrangement of stones formed a natural mandala.
Cosmic moral order
- karmaSpiritual cause and effect
- samsaraCycle of rebirth
- nirvanaRelease from cyclical existence
- tantraEsoteric spiritual discipline
mantra · thangka · sacred · enlightenment · cosmic · divine · blessing · devotion
Curved closed shape
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- concentricSharing one center
- radialEmanating from center
- centerMiddle of anything
quadrant · axis · octagon · hexagon · square · triangle · polygon · vertex
Orderly totality of existence
- universeComplete system or domain
- wholenessComplete, undivided state
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- microcosmMiniature representation of larger whole
macrocosm · representation · diagram · map · wheel of life · dharma wheel · emblem · icon
Original model for copies
- individuationDistinguishing one from many
- selfOne's own being
- wholenessComplete, undivided state
- psycheTotal mental life
unconscious · integration · anima · shadow · symbol · transformation · dream · self-realization
Elaborately detailed, many parts
- ornateElaborately decorated
- tessellationGapless plane coverage
- kaleidoscopeTube with rotating color symmetry
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
motif · interlace · arabesque · filigree · lotus · petals · layers · repetition
Awareness of the present
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- centeringPositioning at midpoint
focus · awareness · breathing · stillness · introspection · tranquility · serenity · equanimity
Buddhist relic monument
- pagodaTiered Asian temple tower
- templeSacred worship structure
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- cathedralBishop's principal church
rose window · dome · floor plan · aerial view · layout · sanctuary · shrine
Formal event marking occasions
- pujaHindu worship ritual
- consecrationDedicating to sacred purpose
- offeringSomething presented or given
- sand paintingImage from loose minerals
dissolution · creation · destruction · impermanence · blessing · initiation · chanting · monks
dharma
Cosmic moral order
tantra · mantra · thangka · sacred · enlightenment · cosmic · divine · blessing · devotion · offering
circle
Curved closed shape
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- concentricSharing one center
- radialEmanating from center
center · quadrant · axis · octagon · hexagon · square · triangle · polygon · vertex · circumference
cosmos
Orderly totality of existence
microcosm · macrocosm · representation · diagram · map · wheel of life · dharma wheel · emblem · icon
archetype
Original model for copies
- individuationDistinguishing one from many
- selfOne's own being
- wholenessComplete, undivided state
psyche · unconscious · integration · anima · shadow · symbol · transformation · dream · self-realization
intricate
Elaborately detailed, many parts
- ornateElaborately decorated
- tessellationGapless plane coverage
- kaleidoscopeTube with rotating color symmetry
mosaic · motif · interlace · arabesque · filigree · lotus · petals · layers · repetition · elaborate
mindfulness
Awareness of the present
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
centering · focus · awareness · breathing · stillness · introspection · tranquility · serenity · equanimity · calmness
stupa
Buddhist relic monument
cathedral · rose window · dome · floor plan · aerial view · layout · sanctuary · shrine
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
- pujaHindu worship ritual
- consecrationDedicating to sacred purpose
- offeringSomething presented or given
sand painting · dissolution · creation · destruction · impermanence · blessing · initiation · chanting · monks · prayer
- Indian artsminiature painting, mehndi, bronze sculpture, bandhani, ikat
- folk patternshex signs, kente, kente cloth, mudcloth, kilim
- ancient symbolshieroglyphs, cuneiform, runes, petroglyphs, cave paintings
- symbolssymbols, runes, symbol, asterisks, national symbol
- Visual Complexityintricate, detailed, busy, cluttered, chaotic
- exotic decorbohemian, tribal art, desert oasis, zen, palm trees
mandalachaos
Complete disorder and confusion
randomness · disorder · entropy · scribble · noise
mandalaornament
Thing that beautifies
wallpaper · kitsch · distraction · advertisement · graffiti
- sand mandalaColored granules arranged spiritually
- mandala artCircular symbolic pattern designs