The word Mandala comes from the ancient script Sanskrit and means the centre and the outer edge of a circle simultaneously.
Mandalas are "painting like patterns" within the boundary of a circle.
The outer border reflects the psychological boundary that separates oneself from the outer world or other persons, while the contents of the Mandala lead the viewer onwards and inwards to the centre. This is a natural urge within us - to search out the centre of our own inner being.
Creating a mandala is a unique method of visual self-expression - an inner self-portrait. The process itself is part of the creator's journey from one state of awareness to another, captured within the Mandala by each pattern, form, colour and shape - significant symbols for that journey.
Thus, a Mandala is a symbolic diagram, an ancient art form used in many cultures as an aid to reach our inner selves. As a result Mandalas are often linked with religion or psychology.