noun
mandala
MUHN-duh-luh
noun
1
A symbolic circular design representing the universe, used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions as an aid to meditation.
"Monks spent days creating an intricate sand mandala."
"She keeps a mandala coloring book to help her relax."
2
One of the ten books into which the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu scripture, is divided.
"Scholars often study the Rigveda mandala by mandala."
How to Use Mandala
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA circular, often highly detailed spiritual or decorative design symbolizing wholeness and the universe.
Common pairings
sand mandala
mandala pattern
mandala tattoo
Word Forms
mandalas plural, Mandalas plural
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Monks spent days creating an intricate sand _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Sanskrit मण्डल (mandala), meaning "circle" or "disc."