Mandala

Mandala's (Sanskrit for 'circle') is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Buddhism as well as Hinduism that represents the universe. Their balance and inner harmony is said to have deep psychological effects on the viewer.

In painted art, these mandala's are the two dimensional version of a multidimensional palace. Surrounded by rings of fire, vajra's etc. this palace has gates into the four cardinal directions and a central chamber in which its deity with its particular characteristic resides. This deity is further accompanied by offering goddesses, offerings and symbols of its characteristics. Thus each mandala is very particular and elaborated in detail and meaning.