Why do Buddhist use mandelas?

Answer 1

Mandalas are used as a support for Buddhist practice or meditation. Depending on the context, the mandala represents different things:

On one level, a mandala simply represent the Buddhist students and their environment.

In the preliminary practice of the mandala offering, the mandala represents the entire universe which is being offered.

In tantric practices, the mandala usually represents the Buddha or deity together with the entourage and dwelling place that needs to be visualised by the practitioner.

Often mandalas are drawn or made out of wood or metal to act as reminder of what needs to be visualised.