How to read a mandala

A mandala is a map of a holy palace seen from above. Start at the centre and move outward, ring by ring.

The centre holds the main figure or wisdom sign. Around it run square walls with four gates, one for each direction. Each gate has a guard.

Outside the walls sit rings of fire, flowers and small figures. They mark the steps from daily life to the calm centre.

Try it on the Mandala of Jnanadakini: find the centre, then count the gates before you look at anything else.