mandala

enUK

man·da·la

M0072800 (mŭn′də-lə)n. Any of various ritualistic geometric designs symbolic of the universe, used in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation.

[Sanskrit maṇḍalam, circle.]

man·dal′ic (mŭn-dăl′ĭk) adj.

mandala

(ˈmændələ; mænˈdɑːlə) n1. (Hinduism) Hindu & Buddhist art any of various designs symbolizing the universe, usually circular2. (Buddhism) Hindu & Buddhist art any of various designs symbolizing the universe, usually circular3. (Psychology) psychol such a symbol expressing a person's striving for unity of the self[Sanskrit: circle]

man•da•la

(ˈmʌn dl ə)

n., pl. -las. 1. a schematized representation of the cosmos in Hindu and Buddhist iconography, usu. a concentric configuration of geometric shapes each of which contains an image or attribute of a deity. 2. (in Jungian psychology) a symbol representing the effort to reunify the self. [1855–60; < Skt maṇḍala circle]

Thesaurus

Noun

mandala - any of various geometric designs (usually circular) symbolizing the universe; used chiefly in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditationpattern, design, figure - a decorative or artistic work; "the coach had a design on the doors"Hindooism, Hinduism - a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and based on a caste system; it is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, by a belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evilsBuddhism - the teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth

Translations

mandala

enUK

mandala

(mŭn`dələ), [Skt.,=circular, round] a concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism. The mandala may have derived from the circular stupa and the ritual of walking around the stupa in a circle. The mandala is seen as a microcosm embodying the various divine powers at work in the universe, and it serves as a collection point for the gods and universal forces. Numbers of deities have specific positions in the diagram, and the symbolism and structure of the mandala are highly elaborated. The mandala symbolizes the totality of existence, inner or outer. Mandalas are used in meditation, particularly in Tibetan BuddhismTibetan Buddhism,
form of Buddhism prevailing in the Tibet region of China, Bhutan, the state of Sikkim in India, Mongolia, and parts of Siberia and SW China. It has sometimes been called Lamaism, from the name of the Tibetan monks, the lamas [superior ones].
..... Click the link for more information. and Japanese tantric Buddhism (see KukaiKukai
or Kobo-Daishi
, 774–835, Japanese priest, scholar, and artist, founder of the Shingon or "True Word" sect of Buddhism. Of aristocratic birth, he studied the Chinese classics as a young man, but left the university and became a wandering ascetic, eventually
..... Click the link for more information. ). Similar ritual drawings have been found in the sand paintings of Native North Americans and in other traditions.

Bibliography

See G. Tucci, Theory of Practice of the Mandala (1969); M. Arguelles, Mandala (1972); D. F. Bischoff, Mandala (1983). For an analytical psychology perspective, see C. Jung, Mandala Symbolism (tr. 1972).

What does it mean when you dream about a mandala?

A mandala is an intricate design, usually of circular or square patterns, used in meditation to focus the mind: One gazes at and concentrates on the center or on a dot within the center of the design. This meditative concentration brings about a state of mind in which healing, harmony, and order can be restored. In Jungian psychology, mandalas represent the Self. To dream of a mandala may signal that it is time for the dreamer to look inward, or it may be a reflection of the positive changes the dreamer is experiencing in waking life.

mandala

1. Hindu and 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

Mandala

(language)A system based on Concurrent Prolog, developed atICOT, Japan.

["Mandala: A Logic Based Knowledge Programming System",K. Furukawa et al, Intl Conf 5th Gen Comp Sys 1984].

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Bibliography

What does it mean when you dream about a mandala?

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Words related to mandala

noun any of various geometric designs (usually circular) symbolizing the universe

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