What is a mandala? (2021)
Book Chapter
Luczanits, C. (2021). What is a mandala?. In E. J. Harris (Ed.), Buddhism in Five Minutes (254-258). Equinox. https://doi.org/10.1558/equinox.40790

The mandala is first and foremost a ritual tool. In its simplest form, it consists of a square space marked by protective features and a circle of deities within it. The ground marks a purified space to which deities can be invited during the ritual.