"'Mandala' is the Sanskrit word for 'circle,' but a circle that is coordinated or symbolically designed so that it has the meaning of a cosmic order. When composing madalas, you are trying to coordinate your personal circle with the universal circle...
"In working out a mandala for youself, you draw a circle and then think of the different impulse systems and value systems in your life. Then you compose them and try to find out where your center is. Making a mandala is a discipline for pulling all those scattered aspects of your life together, for finding a center and ordering yourself to it. you try to coordinate your circle with the universal circle."

-Joseph Campell