Many of the designs used in adult coloring books are mandalas, which translated from ancient Sanskrit simply means circle, or around the center.

But the mandala is so much more than just a simple shape. It is a ritual and spiritual symbol used in many of the world's religions, representing the universe and all it encompasses.The concept is most frequently associated with Buddhism.Tibetan Buddhists explain the mandala consists of five "excellencies" - the teacher, the message, the audience, the site and the time.In a variety of spiritual traditions, they are used to focus attention, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation.From Buddhist sand paintings to Christianity's rosary to Native American teepees, the mandala can be found throughout the ages and in all cultures.It represents all aspects of life, from the celestial circles we call earth, sun and moon to our circles of friends, family and community.As parts of the universe itself, we are all parts of the most intricate of "designs."Whether it's in art, science, religion or life itself, the mandala is both finite and a road map to infinity, according to Carl Jung.In his daily journal, Jung wrote, "The mandala serves a conservative purpose - namely, to restore a previously existing order. But it also serves the creative purpose of giving expression and form to something that does not yet exist, something new and unique. The process is that of the ascending spiral, which grows upward while simultaneously returning again and again to the same point."