A simple description of a mandala (pronounced man-dell-ah in the West or muhn-dl-uh in the East) is an arrangement of shapes repeated in a circular pattern.

The literal meaning of the word mandala (from the ancient language of Sanskrit) is “circle”.

A mandala is seen as a symbolic representation of the universe as neither a circle nor the universe has an end.

Many people believe that mandalas can serve as protection from negative energy and the unwelcome emotions of anger, hatred and depression.