A thangka with four mandalas of Vajravali

In Himalayan Buddhism, the mandala is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional space, such as the celestial palace where a specific deity resides. They are comprised of concentric circles and squares occupied by the main deity at center and figures from his or her retinue arranged in order of importance in the interstitial spaces. Sometimes they include a landscape, and additional lineage figures above and below, as in the present example. All of these details contribute to a rich visual iconongraphy which rewards multiple viewings.