The author offers a basic introduction to maṇḍalas (symbolic representations of a religious diety's palace and dominion) and notes how they are used for ritual purposes and as objects of visualization in certain Buddhist and Hindu spiritual practices- practices which are aimed at developing concentration and wisdom, but also can have healing effects on the body. The introduction is followed by pictures of several maṇḍalas. (Zach Rowinski 2004-08-06)