Mandala dotting art. Recycled picture frame with Stand, painted on the glass.

What exactly is mandala art? In the ancient Sanskrit language of Hinduism and Buddhism, mandala means “circle.” Traditionally, a mandala is a geometric design or pattern that represents the cosmos or deities in various heavenly worlds. “It's all about finding peace in the symmetry of the design and of the universe,” says artist Saudamini Madra. A mandala is a symbol of the universe in its ideal form, and its creation signifies the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy. It can also be used as an aid to meditation, helping the meditator to envision how to achieve the perfect self. nd as an aid for meditation in Buddhism and Hinduism. A mandala serves as a collection point for universal forces. By mentally “entering” the mandala and moving toward its center, a person can tap into those forces and achieve union with the cosmic order. As a symbol of the cosmos or universe, a traditional mandala is a square containing a circle, and the entire design is symmetrical and balanced. Some spiritual traditions use mandalas for meditation or for marking a spiritual space. The word mandala itself simply means "circle" in Sanskrit.