Ramananda, K. B. (1917-1987)

The mandala is a sacred circle surrounded by eight rays[*], signifying an area purified of all ephemeral ideas. Mandalas also serve as a template for the universe – the centre of the mandala is the primordial atom, born from the germinal syllable of meditation, containing the image of a holy city or a famous temple.[+]

The outer circle is ringed with flames, fiery peaks denying access to the mysterious world within the circle.[#] The flowers are the Buddha consciousness which breaks down all obstacles. The third circle with eight cemeteries symbolises the eight consciousnesses of illusion. A ring of lotus petals comes next – the harmonious unfolding of spiritual vision.[~]

After that we come to the heart of the mandala, the four gates which symbolise the first dawn of knowledge. Within these gates is the city itself, whose central park is surrounded by another four gates topped with thunderbolts of power. In the middle is the primal lawn where the Buddha rests, buoyed up by lotus flowers.[$]

[K. B. Ramananda, Buddha Consciousness: An End to Turmoil, pp. 32-33]

Circles and squares (>Felton Mathews, Critias):

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[*] See >UFOs.

[+] See >Derren Brown Mind Control.

[#] See >Guide to the Otherworld.

[~] See >Ka.

[$] See >Kronos.