A mandala is a geometric representation of the universe featuring symbols and deities. Buddhists visualize mandalas as three-dimensional spaces that aid them in meditation. In this painting, the red, yellow, and blue forms of the goddess Varahi appear at the center of three of the four circular mandalas; the god Vajra-Humkara, with his companion, appears in the center of the fourth. Meditators imagine themselves as the deity in the center of each mandala, passing through each outer ring of flames to finally enter the square of the mandala-palace at the center. This practice helps devotees develop great wisdom and compassion.